Understand why Galvão Bueno didn't narrate the opening game of the World Cup

The main voice of SBT's sports narrations at the 2026 World Cup, Galvão Bueno was left out of the broadcast of the opening game of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa this Thursday (11). In his place, the broadcaster chose Tiago Leifert to cover the World Cup hosts' victory.

Galvão even participated in the opening ceremony this afternoon, presenting the shows that preceded the opening match of the competition. However, Tiago Leifert was responsible for broadcasting the game.

To Estadão, the broadcaster explained that Galvão's absence was for logistical reasons. As the narrator will lead the broadcast of Brazil's debut against Morocco next Saturday (13), at 7pm (Brasília time), he is in New York, close to the stadium where the match takes place, in New Jersey. As the opening game was in Mexico City, the choice was made by Leifert.

Recently, Galvão underwent a surgical procedure to treat a herniated disc, which had been causing severe discomfort. On June 1st, the 75-year-old announcer was medically discharged and began preparing for the World Cup broadcasts.

SBT shows the World Cup games in a partnership with NSports, a broadcaster of which Galvão is a partner. This will be the 14th World Cup narrated by him on television, who became famous on Globo for being the voice of great moments in Brazilian football, such as the team's world titles in 1994 and 2002.

Selection: Ancelotti rules out cutting Neymar for World Cup

Source: CNN