Mexico officially launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday with a vibrant opening ceremony held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The event marks the start of the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. To commemorate the occasion, Mexico played a friendly match against South Africa, mirroring the opening game of the 2010 World Cup. This symbolic match signifies Mexico’s role as a host nation and builds anticipation for the larger tournament in 2026. The ceremony and match are intended to generate excitement and showcase Mexico’s readiness to host the global event. Details regarding the match result were not immediately available. This launch event sets the stage for the expanded 48-team World Cup in three years’ time.