The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway today in Mexico, launching the largest tournament in the history of international football.
Co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the competition will feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches played across 16 cities in North America between June 11 and July 19. (Reuters)
The opening match will see host nation Mexico face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The tournament marks a new era for the World Cup, which has expanded from 32 to 48 teams. Under the new format, 12 groups of four teams will compete in the first round, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Defending champions Argentina arrive in North America seeking to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022, while traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Germany, Spain and England are among the favorites to lift the trophy.
The tournament is also expected to feature what could be the final World Cup appearances of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both competing in their sixth World Cup finals.
Several nations, including Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, will make their World Cup debuts, highlighting the expanded global reach of the competition.
Ahead of the opening match, Mexico City will host a ceremony celebrating Mexican and Latin American culture, marking the start of a month-long football festival expected to attract millions of fans from around the world.
The final is scheduled to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bringing down the curtain on the biggest World Cup ever staged.
