World Cup kicks off as Mexico host South Africa at the Azteca
The expanded 48-team tournament, spread across Mexico, Canada and the United States, opened with a roar in Mexico City.
Quick Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with the opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Expanded to 48 teams, this is the biggest and most ambitious edition in the tournament’s history, with matches staged across Mexico, Canada and the United States.
A tournament of firsts
For the first time the World Cup is shared by three host nations, a logistical undertaking on a scale football has never attempted. For fans, it promises more teams, more cities and more football than ever before.
Senior Sports Writer
Tharindu follows Sri Lanka Cricket home and away and writes on the wider sporting world.
