Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum draws Mexico during the World Cup 2026 draw at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum draws Mexico during the World Cup 2026 draw at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC

Ireland’s first World Cup game will be a 3am kickoff Irish time if Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side succeed in qualifying to face South Korea on the opening day of the competition.

FIFA have this evening confirmed the details of the fixture schedule for the tournament after taking 24 hours to work out the best kickoff times with respect to climate conditions and time difference for TV audience in the participating countries.