The world’s biggest football tournament gets underway today as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins across North America, marking the start of a historic edition of the competition.
For the first time in tournament history, the World Cup is being jointly hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico — and features an expanded field of 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
Host nation Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, becoming the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches.
The expanded format is expected to make the 2026 edition the largest World Cup ever staged, with matches taking place across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Football giants including Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, England and Spain will be among the favourites as they compete for the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
A series of opening ceremonies will also be held across the three host nations, celebrating the tournament’s unique tri-nation format and showcasing music, culture and entertainment from across North America.
Fans around the globe are expected to tune in as the month-long festival of football begins, with millions set to follow the action from stadiums, fan parks and television screens worldwide.
The tournament will culminate on July 19 when the final is played at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States, where a new world champion will be crowned.
With dreams of glory, national pride and football history at stake, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title begins today.
