The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began Thursday with an opening ceremony and first match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City [1, 3].
This event marks a historic milestone as Mexico becomes the first country to host the tournament on three separate occasions [3]. The opening serves as the gateway to an expanded competition format that will see a total of 104 matches played across the host nations [4].
Approximately 87,000 spectators filled the stadium for the festivities [1], though some reports indicated the venue operated at 80% capacity due to security restrictions [4]. The ceremony featured a blend of music and dance designed to highlight Mexican heritage. The lineup included performances by Shakira, Belinda, Alejandro Fernández, and Salma Hayek, alongside various orchestras and dance troupes [1, 2].
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of the venue and the host nation. "Este es un momento histórico para el fútbol y para México, que vuelve a ser anfitrión por tercera vez," Infantino said [3].
Performers also spoke to the intent of the spectacle. "Queremos que el mundo vea la riqueza cultural de México a través de la música y el espectáculo," Shakira said [1].
Following the artistic presentations, the tournament transitioned to the pitch for its first match. The atmosphere remained high as the event moved from the ceremony to the competition. Javier Aguirre said the energy of the public was indescribable and that the stadium was dressed in gala attire to receive the world [2].
The 2026 tournament represents a significant shift in the scale of the World Cup, utilizing a larger number of games and a broader geographic footprint than previous editions [4].
“"Este es un momento histórico para el fútbol y para México, que vuelve a ser anfitrión por tercera vez."”
The selection of Estadio Azteca for the opening match reinforces the stadium's status as a global football landmark. By hosting for a third time, Mexico solidifies its role as a primary pillar of the sport's infrastructure in North America, while the increase to 104 matches signals FIFA's continued push toward a more expansive, commercially viable global tournament model.
