League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Playoffs

World Cup kicks off today at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 6:07 AM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

World Cup kicks off today at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City

Summary

The FIFA World Cup begins today in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches. The opening match will take place this afternoon at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico faces South Africa. Sports media globally highlights both the unifying spirit of the tournament and the excitement surrounding emerging players. Spain's publications focus on unity and emerging stars, while Italy and France voice contrasting sentiments due to their teams not qualifying. Fans from the UK and Argentina convey strong motivational tones as they celebrate the tournament's start.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•The opening match is at 21:00 CEST today at Estadio Azteca.
•Mexico will play against South Africa in the tournament's first game.
•Sports media across nations highlight different emotional responses based on qualifying status.
•Spain's headlines emphasize unity and the spotlight on new stars.

Latest Updates

6:07 AMYahoo Sports — 🗞️ The papers are unanimous this Thursday: the World Cup kicks off

What they're saying

"
Today, the sporting universe pauses before a historic milestone: the opening whistle of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.With an unprecedented expanded format of 48 teams an...
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer