Welcome to our live, minute-by-minute coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
For the next 39 days, 48 nations will battle it out across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the record-breaking 104-match marathon culminating in the final on July 19.
Thursday’s matches start at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The historic venue becomes the first stadium to host matches in three separate World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026).
Shakira and Burna Boy will take to the pitch to perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup for its Opening Ceremony.
Mexico fans across North America celebrated a dream start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after El Tri opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Jubilant scenes unfolded in Mexico City's Zócalo, as well as at watch parties in Fort Worth and San Francisco, with supporters rejoicing as the final whistle confirmed all three points. The opening match also produced plenty of drama, with three red cards shown during a fiery contest.
Mexico fans celebrate their team's first goal against South Africa as they watch a public viewing of the opening match of the World Cup soccer tournament between Mexico and South Africa in San Francisco, Thursday, June 11, 2026. AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
Fans celebrate after Mexico's Julian Quinones scored against South Africa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer match at a fan festival in the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, Thursday, June 11, 2026 AP Photo/Marco Ugarte
Mexico supporters react after Mexico's Julian Quinones scored his side's first goal on South Africa during the opening match of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, Thursday, June 11, 2026, during a watch party in Fort Worth, Texas. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez is in attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City. The undisputed super-middleweight champion was spotted at Estadio Azteca as fans gathered for the historic opening match, adding another familiar face to the occasion as Mexico kicks off the tournament on home soil.
Amid escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital, more than 80,000 fans made their way to Mexico City Stadium — better known as Azteca Stadium. It got a much-needed facelift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico is co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada.
A look from overtop of Mexico City Stadium shows a vibrant display of colors as FIFA's Opening Ceremony welcomes Mexico and South Africa for its initial game.
Colombian singer J Balvin is performing at the opening ceremony with a choreographed color set up wearing red while the backup dancers wear blue, purple and polkadots.
