The 2026 World Cup is finally here. The much-anticipated tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. In the nightcap, South Korea will face Czechia at Estadio Akron outside Guadalajara.

Will Mexico repeat an unfortunate part of its World Cup history against South Africa on Thursday?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony festivities got underway a little over an hour before the first kickoff in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.

Follow along live for 2026 World Cup opener In Mexico City! The 2026 World Cup begins with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca before Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match on Thursday,

Mexico and Canada have faced significant recent tension in their relations with the United States. But in their historic World Cup bid, the three countries promoted teamwork.

Canada's FIFA World Cup 2026 party begins on Friday afternoon in Toronto, as they host Bosnia & Herzegovina in their opening Group B game -- a pivotal clash for both sides' chances of making it through to the knockout stages.