The 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence on Thursday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with a match between Mexico and South Africa. This edition of the tournament is set to be the largest in history, marking a significant expansion to 48 participating teams for the first time. The games will be hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is a landmark moment for the World Cup, nearly a century after its inception. The opening match symbolizes a new chapter for the competition, promising increased global representation and a broader platform for international football. Organizers anticipate record-breaking attendance and viewership throughout the tournament.