Mexico and South Africa meet today at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 3].
This match marks the start of the largest tournament in the history of the event, signaling a shift in the scale of global football. The opening ceremony serves as a cultural centerpiece for the host nations, blending sport with high-profile entertainment to attract a global audience.
The event begins with a performance by Shakira, who is scheduled to perform her official song for the 2026 World Cup [2]. The singer's appearance is a focal point of the opening festivities in Mexico [2].
Estadio Azteca is achieving a historic milestone with this match. The venue becomes the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches [4]. Fans have already begun arriving at the iconic stadium to watch the co-host nation take the field [5].
This opening game is the first of 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 tournament [1]. The expanded format increases the number of games and participating teams compared to previous editions of the competition [1].
TSN staff said the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup will begin today as co-host Mexico takes on South Africa [1].
“The biggest‑ever FIFA World Cup will begin today”
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant expansion of the sport's global footprint. By increasing the total match count to 104, FIFA is maximizing commercial reach and providing more opportunities for smaller nations to compete. The selection of Estadio Azteca for the opener reinforces the historic importance of Mexico in football history while leveraging global pop stars like Shakira to ensure the tournament's reach extends beyond sports fans.
