The world's biggest football spectacle gets underway today, June 11, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins in Mexico City, marking the start of the largest tournament in the competition's history.

For the first time, the World Cup is being jointly hosted by three countries, the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations competing across 104 matches over the next six weeks. The tournament will conclude on July 19 with the final in New Jersey, United States.

The opening match will see hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca. The fixture is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.

Grand Opening Ceremony

Ahead of kick-off, fans will be treated to a colourful opening ceremony showcasing Mexican culture, music and entertainment.

Global music stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules are expected to perform during the celebrations. The ceremony forms part of FIFA's unprecedented decision to hold separate opening events in each of the three host nations.

Canada will host its opening ceremony in Toronto on June 12 before its match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the United States will stage its own celebration in Los Angeles ahead of its opening fixture against Paraguay.

A Bigger World Cup

The 2026 edition introduces a new format featuring 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32-team structure. The expanded tournament is divided into 12 groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Matches will be played across 16 host cities, with the United States staging the majority of fixtures, while Canada and Mexico will also host games throughout the tournament.

Early Fixtures to Watch

Following today's opener between Mexico and South Africa, co-host Canada will begin its campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, while the United States faces Paraguay later the same day.

Defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, European heavyweights Spain, France, Germany and England are among the favourites expected to challenge for football's most prestigious trophy.

With millions of fans expected to tune in across the globe, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises six weeks of elite football, cultural celebration and unforgettable moments as nations battle for supremacy on the sport's grandest stage.