2026 FIFA World Cup begins: Mexico hosts first ceremony today, USA and Canada to follow

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway after Mexico hosted the tournament’s first opening ceremony today at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The event marks the start of the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches spread across 16 cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Today’s ceremony in Mexico City featured a celebration of Mexican culture, music, and football heritage. Fireworks lit up the 87,000-capacity Estadio Azteca as fans filled the stands ahead of Mexico’s opening match against South Africa. The stadium becomes the first venue ever to host World Cup opening matches in three different editions after 1970 and 1986. The ceremony is broadcast live to billions of viewers worldwide and sets the tone for the next 39 days of football.

Three ceremonies, three host nations

Because this is the first World Cup co-hosted by three countries, FIFA has broken tradition and split the opening celebrations into three separate ceremonies. Each host nation will hold its own show before its team’s first match:

• Mexico – Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. Ceremony happening today before Mexico’s opener.
• Canada – Friday, June 12, 2026, at BMO Field, Toronto. The ceremony will take place before Canada faces its first opponent.
• United States – Friday, June 12, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles. Ceremony scheduled before the USA’s opening match.

FIFA officials say the decision gives each host nation equal opportunity to showcase its culture and welcome the world. The tournament final will still be held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, New York, New Jersey.

Record-breaking tournament begins

The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32. The expanded format means more nations, more matches, and more fans. Matches will be played from Vancouver to Mexico City, with stadiums upgraded to meet FIFA standards. Organizers say security, transport, and fan zones are ready across all host cities.

A record 10 African countries qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The representatives include Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For Ghanaian fans, attention will now turn to the Black Stars as Africa’s ten representatives prepare for their opening games next week. The expanded format gives African teams more slots and a stronger chance to progress beyond the group stage.

With Mexico’s ceremony happening today and Canada and the USA set to follow in the next 48 hours, the 2026 World Cup has started with a new chapter for the tournament. The world’s biggest football show is now officially live.

Share on Facebook

Follow us

Save

About The Author

Seth Yeboah

Seth Yeboah, affectionately called Nana Kwadwo Yeboah-Asiamah is a Ghanaian journalist and humanitarian whose work sits at the intersection of media, technology, and social welfare. He comes from Asante Asokore Akokoaso, located in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region. Known for his commitment to national development and community empowerment, Yeboah has carved out a unique path as both a truth-seeker in journalism and a digital architect in the IT sector.

See author's posts