The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on June 11 with an opening ceremony held in Mexico City [3].

This tournament marks a significant expansion of the sport's premier event, introducing a record-breaking format designed to increase global participation and commercial reach. By utilizing three host nations, the event represents a shift in how FIFA manages logistics and regional engagement.

Mexico, the United States, and Canada are jointly hosting the competition [5]. The event is the largest iteration of the tournament to date, featuring 48 teams [1] and a total of 104 matches [2].

The opening festivities in Mexico City included performances from high-profile artists. Shakira and Katy Perry were among the guests at the ceremony, Fanpage.it said [6].

Media coverage of the kickoff was extensive, with specialized programming dedicated to the event. The opening ceremony was the focus of the first episode of "Times Square - L'Ora del Mondiale," a prime-time show that began with an exclusive connection at 6 p.m., Corriere dello Sport said [7].

The tournament will proceed through various stages across the three host countries over the next several weeks. The competition is scheduled to conclude with the final match on July 19 in New Jersey, U.S. [4].

This expanded structure allows more nations to compete on the world stage, a move that has historically been a point of contention among football's governing bodies and member associations.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on June 11 with an opening ceremony held in Mexico City.”

The transition to a 48-team format and a tri-national hosting model reflects FIFA's strategy to maximize revenue and global inclusivity. However, the increased number of matches and the vast geographical distances between venues in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada place unprecedented logistical demands on players and fans, potentially altering the physical toll of the tournament.