The 2026 FIFA World Cup began Thursday, June 11, 2026, with an opening ceremony and inaugural match held in Mexico City [1].
This tournament marks a historic shift for international soccer as the first World Cup to be hosted jointly by three nations: Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The expanded format allows for a record number of participating teams, increasing the global reach and competitive scale of the event.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19, 2026 [2]. For the first time in the competition's history, 48 national teams will compete for the title [3].
There is conflicting information regarding the specific venue for the opening events. FIFA said that the inauguration took place at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City [1]. However, other reports said the inaugural match was held at the Estadio Ciudad de México, commonly known as Estadio Azteca [4].
The start of the tournament caused significant disruptions to daily routines across Mexico. Some reports said that five states suspended classes on June 11 to mark the occasion [5], while other sources said that seven states implemented class suspensions [6].
As the event progresses, the joint hosting effort will distribute matches across the three North American countries. This logistical arrangement represents the largest coordination of venues and infrastructure for a single sporting event to date.
“The first tournament with 48 national teams hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States, and Canada”
The expansion to 48 teams and the tri-national hosting model signal a strategic move by FIFA to further commercialize the sport and increase its footprint in the North American market. By distributing matches across three countries, the tournament reduces the burden on a single host's infrastructure while maximizing regional viewership and revenue.
