The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins tonight with a match between Mexico and South Africa, marking the start of a tournament featuring a record 48 national teams. The opening ceremony will showcase the cultures of all participating nations with performances by over twenty artists. This year’s competition is hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The event is occurring amidst travel restrictions, notably impacting Somali referee Omar Artan, who was initially denied entry into the US but has since been welcomed as a hero back home. Considered frontrunners for the championship are Argentina, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, and England. This World Cup is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the sport, potentially marking the final international appearances of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.