The inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today, June 11th, in Mexico City. The opening ceremony will precede the first game of Group A. Host nation Mexico will compete against South Africa in the opening match, marking the start of the expanded tournament. This is the first time the World Cup has been jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament features an increased number of teams, expanding from 32 to 48 participants. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage. The event is expected to draw significant global attention and economic impact to the host cities.