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Mexico City, Mexico, launched the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an opening ceremony at the historic Azteca Stadium, marking the start of the largest tournament in the competition’s history. This expanded edition features 48 national teams and a total of 104 matches staged across three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The ceremony in Mexico City included high-profile performances by Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Fernández, and Maná, setting the stage for the opening match in which Mexico is scheduled to face South Africa at the Azteca. Organisers expect the multi-nation format and dense match schedule to define this World Cup as a landmark global sporting event. Mexico, the United States, and Canada will host games in a wide range of conditions, with altitude emerging as a key factor for visiting teams and their supporters. The Azteca Stadium sits at roughly 7,300 feet above sea level, while venues in Guadalajara are located at over 5,000 feet, creating demanding physical conditions that could influence player performance and preparation. At the same time, FIFA is under pressure over ticket pricing, as some seats for the final reportedly approach $33,000. Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey have opened investigations into whether the organisation’s ticketing practices breach consumer protection laws, while U.S. broadcasters Fox and FS1 hold exclusive English-language rights to show every match.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.