World Cup tournament kicks off Thursday in Mexico City with 48 teams
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:00 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The World Cup begins Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This edition features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams advancing to knockout stages. Matches from that point are single-elimination, and the final will be held on July 19 in New Jersey. The tournament marks a significant expansion from previous editions, aiming to boost participation and revenue.
- •Opening match features co-hosts Mexico against South Africa.
- •Tournament takes place across 16 cities in North America.
- •Final scheduled for July 19 after 104 matches.
- •Spain, France, and Argentina are among the favorites.
- •Morocco is suggested as a potential dark horse contender.
- 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — A (very) beginner’s guide to the World Cup: how does it work and the players to look out for
- 10:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — A (very) beginner’s guide to the World Cup: how does it work and the players to look out for
"The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events It is! Every four years the best men’s teams on the planet gather to see who will be crowned world champions. This year’s tournament will be co-hosted by frenemies Canada, Mexico and the United States in 16 cities as different as Vancouver, Kansas City and Guadalajara. The 48 teams are initially divided into [does arithmetic] 12 four-team groups with each team playing the others in the group once. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams – 32 in total – will advance to the knockout stages. Matches from that point on are single-elimination - lose and you’re out. If scores are level at the end of extra-time, the match is decided by a penalty shootout. Continue reading...
"The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 10:00 AMA (very) beginner’s guide to the World Cup: how does it work and the players to look out for
The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events
- The Guardian SportJun 9, 2026, 10:00 AMA (very) beginner’s guide to the World Cup: how does it work and the players to look out for
The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City. Here’s what newcomers can expect from one of the world’s largest and most watched events It is! Every four years the best men’s teams on the planet gather to see who will be crowned world champions. This year’s tournament will be co-hosted by frenemies Canada, Mexico and the United States in 16 cities as different as Vancouver, Kansas City and Guadalajara. The 48 teams are initially divided into [does arithmetic] 12 four-team groups with each team playing the others in the group once. The top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams – 32 in total – will advance to the knockout stages. Matches from that point on are single-elimination - lose and you’re out. If scores are level at the end of extra-time, the match is decided by a penalty shootout. Continue reading...
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