The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with an opening ceremony in Mexico City. Recognized as the largest event in football history, the tournament will take place over 39 days across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Following the opening ceremony, host nation Mexico will play its first match against South Africa. The tournament will feature a new format with 48 teams competing in 104 matches.
New format draws attention
This year’s World Cup includes 12 groups, 16 host cities, and a new round of 32 teams. Alongside the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-placed teams will also advance to the knockout stage.
This expanded knockout phase means a broader field of 32 teams will compete in the elimination rounds. The extended format makes every point and goal difference more critical than ever.
Performers at the opening ceremony
FIFA announced that Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the official tournament song "Dai Dai." Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla will also be part of the Mexico City program.
For the first time in World Cup history, three different countries will co-host the event. Mexico, Canada, and the USA will each hold their own ceremonies before the opening matches.
Opening match recalls history
Mexico and South Africa previously faced off in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. In that Johannesburg game, Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the tournament’s iconic opening goals, while Rafael Márquez equalized, ending the match 1-1.
The first whistle in 2026 not only launches the new format but also revives a memorable World Cup matchup.
Key teams and players to watch
Spain is considered one of the strongest contenders in the tournament. France is preparing to compete for the top spot again, led by Kylian Mbappe, who played in the finals of the last two World Cups.
Argentina will enter as the defending champion, with Lionel Messi expected to be part of the squad once more. Brazil, England, Portugal, and Germany are also among the teams likely to make a significant impact throughout the long tournament.
The tournament will showcase not only experienced stars but also emerging young talents. Lamine Yamal, Florian Wirtz, Endrick, Désiré Doué, and 17-year-old Mexican Gilberto Mora are among the promising young players to watch.
Erling Haaland will make his World Cup debut with Norway. Jude Bellingham is a key figure in England’s midfield, while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane stand out as crucial players for Egypt and Senegal, respectively.
Newcomers and returning teams
Morocco returns to the tournament after reaching the historic semifinals in 2022. Japan continues its steady rise, and Colombia is noted for its speed and creativity.
Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan will make their World Cup debuts, ready to write new stories in the expanded format.
Iraq returns to the World Cup after 40 years
One of the tournament’s notable stories is Iraq’s comeback. Iraq will compete in the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and has been drawn into Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
This group is considered one of the toughest in the tournament. After a long qualification journey, Iraq aims to earn its first World Cup points at this stage.
The new format still offers hope for Iraq, as the best third-placed teams can also advance beyond the group stage, making every point and goal difference crucial.
Notable absences
Despite the expanded field of 48 teams, some major football nations are missing. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Nigeria, Poland, Georgia, Chile, Cameroon, and Costa Rica are also notable teams absent from the finals.
This situation shows that even with more participants, the World Cup qualification remains highly competitive. Over 39 days, the tournament will showcase both new teams and familiar stars on the same stage.
The opening ceremony will mark the start of this grand event, while the unfolding matches in the coming weeks will shape the story of the tournament.
