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2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City today

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 12:43 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City today

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced today with a record 48 teams participating across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Mexico hosted South Africa in the tournament's opening match at 3 p.m. ET in Mexico City, following a grand opening ceremony. The day also features a match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara later this evening. Canada and the U.S. will begin their tournament campaigns tomorrow. FIFA has faced scrutiny over ticket pricing, which has sparked investigations by state attorneys general in New York and New Jersey.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•48 teams will compete over 104 matches in 39 days.
•Mexico leads Group A and is expected to perform better than in 2022.
•South Africa is making its return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010.
•Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina and the U.S. meets Paraguay tomorrow.
•Investigations into FIFA's ticketing practices are ongoing.

Latest Updates

12:43 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today: Everything to know about the opening game on Boston 25

What they're saying

"
A massive, 48-team World Cup kicks off Thursday across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — the biggest tournament ever with 104 matches over 39 days.
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer