Sports fans across the world are set for a month-long football spectacle as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off tonight at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
In the opening match, hosts Mexico will take on South Africa in a Group A clash. The match begins at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time. Interestingly, the fixture brings back memories of the 2010 World Cup opener, which also featured the same two sides.
This edition of the World Cup will be the biggest in history, with an expansion from 32 to 48 teams. A record 104 matches will be played, with 72 in the group stage and 32 in the knockout rounds, across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The three host nations qualified automatically, while 45 teams earned their places through a demanding two-year qualification journey. The competition features 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32. This expands the knockout stage to 32 teams for the first time in tournament history. The grand final is scheduled for 19th of July, promising a thrilling conclusion to football’s greatest celebration.
This World Cup is also expected to be one of the most challenging in history, with teams facing demanding conditions across three countries – including long travel distances, varying climates, different altitudes, and shifting time zones.
Over the decades, only eight nations have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy – Brazil, Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, England, France, and Uruguay, the inaugural champions. Among the most unfortunate sides in World Cup history remain the Netherlands, who have reached three finals but are yet to win the title despite producing generations of world-class talent.
From history to high stakes, from legends to new challengers – the stage is set for football’s ultimate battle.
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