2026 FIFA World Cup begins with Mexico City ceremony as host takes on South Africa

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opened on Thursday with a vibrant ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, setting the stage for the tournament's first match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. local time, roughly 90 minutes before kickoff.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the festivities as a unique opportunity to unite soccer, music and culture.

The celebration highlighted Mexican culture, music and traditions while introducing fans to the largest World Cup ever staged.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first edition of the tournament to be hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The expanded format features 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions, making it the biggest World Cup in history.

Estadio Azteca holds special significance for the tournament. Mexico City's iconic stadium becomes the first venue to host matches at three separate World Cups, having previously staged the finals in 1970 and 1986.

The historic venue will host five matches during this year's tournament, in addition to the opening ceremony.

Brazilian legend Pelé once said there is something special about the Azteca, and that fans need to be inside it to truly understand its atmosphere.

That sense of history added weight to Thursday's proceedings, as a new generation of players prepared to test themselves on the same turf where football legends once played.

Following the completion of the ceremony, attention turned to the pitch where Mexico and South Africa started the tournament's opening match in Group A.

The opening match is just the first of many fixtures across the expanded tournament. Later Thursday, South Korea face Czechia, while Canada also begin their campaign on home soil.

The tournament will be played across stadiums in Mexico, the United States and Canada over the coming weeks, with the three host nations sharing hosting duties for the first time in World Cup history.

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