World Cup 2026 Opens Across North America With 48 Teams
Kickoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives today as Mexico hosts South Africa, with a record 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, culminating in a final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The expanded format includes debutants Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, while stars range from 18-year-olds like Gilberto Mora and Lamine Yamal to veterans such as Ronaldo (41) and Craig Gordon (43). Spain and France are among the favourites, joined by Argentina, Brazil and Germany, though the buildup has been shadowed by visa/security and ticketing controversies, including high ticket prices and criticisms over affordability.