The countdown is over as football fans around the world turn their attention to Mexico for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
Co-hosts Mexico will face South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the start of the biggest World Cup ever staged.
Ahead of the tournament opener, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured supporters that preparations were complete and that authorities were ready to welcome thousands of fans from across the globe. 
However, she noted that ongoing teachers’ protests in the capital could affect plans to establish a fan zone at Mexico City’s famous Zocalo Square.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The expanded tournament will feature 48 national teams competing across 16 stadiums in a record 104 matches over 39 days.
In Washington, US President Donald Trump described the tournament as a global event unlike any before. Speaking on Wednesday, Trump revealed that he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and praised the competition’s growing popularity.
According to Trump, ticket demand has reached unprecedented levels, with sales breaking previous World Cup records.
Despite the excitement, the tournament has also faced criticism. The United States administration has come under scrutiny over strict immigration policies, with some supporters and participants expressing concerns about entry procedures.
Questions have also been raised following reports that a respected Somali referee was denied entry into the United States, while members of the Senegal national team reportedly faced extensive security checks.
FIFA has also faced criticism from fans over the high cost of match tickets across several host cities.
On the field, Mexico enters the opening match as the favourite against South Africa. The encounter is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide as the World Cup gets underway.
Later on Thursday, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, with all four nations competing in Group A.
The tournament continues on Friday when Canada hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while the United States takes on Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
With 48 teams, three host nations, and a month of football ahead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to deliver one of the most memorable tournaments in the history of the sport.
