The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins today, June 11, with Mexico City hosting the opening match of what is set to be the largest edition of the tournament in history.
This year’s competition is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three nations are sharing hosting duties. The expanded format features 48 teams competing in 104 matches over six weeks, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, USA.
The opening fixture will see hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the historic Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca. The match is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw between the two sides.
Ahead of kick-off, a grand opening ceremony will celebrate Mexican culture through music, dance and entertainment, setting the tone for a month-long global football festival.
The ceremony will feature performances from international music stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules. FIFA has also introduced a unique arrangement this year, staging separate opening ceremonies across all three host nations.
Canada will hold its own opening celebration in Toronto on June 12 before its match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United States will host a similar event in Los Angeles ahead of its opening fixture against Paraguay.
The expanded tournament format divides the 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, advancing to the knockout stage.
Matches will be staged across 16 cities in North America, with the United States hosting the majority, while Canada and Mexico will also stage key fixtures throughout the tournament.
Attention now turns to the opening match in Mexico City as global football giants prepare to compete for the world’s most prestigious trophy. Defending champions Argentina, alongside Brazil, Spain, France, Germany and England, are among the favourites expected to contend for the title.
With millions of fans worldwide expected to follow the action, the tournament promises six weeks of high-intensity football, cultural showcases and historic moments on the sport’s biggest stage.
