2026 World Cup opens in historic tri-nation spectacle as Mexico beat South Africa in curtain-raiser
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in history, officially opened on Thursday as the United States, Mexico and Canada launched a month-and-a-half-long football spectacle that will culminate in the final in New Jersey on 19 July.
The tournament, expanded to 48 teams and projected to generate around $13 billion (€11 billion) in revenue, began at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, where co-hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the opening match.
The hosts struck early, with Julián Quiñones capitalising in the ninth minute after Érik Lira pounced on a defensive error. Mexico doubled their advantage in the second half through a Raúl Jiménez header, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The opening ceremony set the tone for a global entertainment showcase, featuring performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, alongside appearances by Andrea Bocelli and K-pop artist EJAE, who delivered the tournament’s official anthem.
Despite the spectacle, the build-up has been overshadowed by criticism over high ticket prices and travel restrictions affecting some teams and officials. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the organisation, insisting prices remained accessible and praising the scale of the event.
