2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City as expanded 48-Team Tournament begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin with a grand opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the start of the biggest tournament in FIFA World Cup history.
Hosts Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening Group A fixture. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST and revives memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener, which also featured the same two teams.
The 2026 edition introduces a historic expansion from 32 to 48 participating nations, making it the largest World Cup ever staged. A record 104 matches will be played during the tournament, including 72 group-stage games and 32 knockout fixtures.
For the first time, the tournament is being jointly hosted by three countries — United States, Canada and Mexico. The three host nations qualified automatically, while 45 other teams secured their places through a two-year qualification process.
The tournament format features 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32, creating the largest knockout stage in World Cup history.
The final is scheduled for July 19, bringing a month-long football spectacle to a close.
Players and teams are expected to face unique challenges throughout the competition, including extensive travel across three countries, varying climates, altitude differences, and multiple time zones.
Historically, only eight nations have won football’s most prestigious trophy: Brazil, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, England, France and Uruguay.
Among the most notable nations yet to lift the trophy is Netherlands, which has reached three finals but remains in search of its first World Cup title.
With established football powers, emerging challengers, and a revamped tournament format, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated FIFA World Cups ever.
