🗞️ The papers are unanimous this Thursday: the World Cup kicks off | OneFootball

Today, the sporting universe pauses before a historic milestone: the opening whistle of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

With an unprecedented expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches, the world’s sports media wakes up in sync under the same cry of celebration and anticipation.

The leading newspapers are unanimously dedicating their front pages to the start of the tournament, which will have its opening match this afternoon (21:00 CEST) at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City with the clash between the host nation, Mexico, and South Africa.

Unity and hope in Spain

Spain’s sports newspapers are splitting their attention between the global, unifying nature of the tournament and the great hopes placed on the new stars and legends of the game.

MARCA: "WE ARE UNITED"

AS: "WORLD SPECTACLE"

MUNDO DEPORTIVO: "LAMINE’S FIRST" 

SPORT: "LAMINE’S FIRST, MESSI’S LAST" 

Envy in Italy and maximum pressure in France

Beyond Spain’s borders, the great giants of the continental press reflect sharply opposing moods, shaped by the presence or absence of their national teams at the tournament.

LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT (Italy): "THE WHOLE WORLD IS HERE (EXCEPT US)"

L'ÉQUIPE (France): "UNDER THE EYES OF THE WORLD"

Argentine passion, English motivation

The front pages from the United Kingdom and the Southern Cone show a strong motivational tone and local flavor for this opening day.

DAILY MIRROR (ENGLAND): "YES WE KANSAS" 

THE SUN (ENGLAND): "DEAR ENGLAND..."

OLÉ (ARGENTINA): "AZTEQUE TEQUE TOCA TOCA THE PARTY BEGINS!" 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 RONALDO SCHEMIDT - AFP or licensors