World Cup 2026 kicks off: Mexico host South Africa at Azteca to launch record 48-team tournament, shadowed by US visa tensions
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams across North America, starts with Mexico facing South Africa at Mexico City's iconic Azteca stadium, while US visa restrictions and tensions with Iran shadow the tournament.
The Azteca's third curtain
The Estadio Azteca, sitting 2,220 metres above sea level, becomes the first stadium to host World Cup matches in three different editions. Mexico's national team has never lost a World Cup game here, recording five wins and two draws. The venue staged the 1970 final won by Pelé's Brazil, the 1986 final where Maradona's Argentina beat West Germany, and immortal moments such as Italy's 4-3 extra-time victory over West Germany in the 'Game of the Century' and Maradona's 'Hand of God' followed by the 'Goal of the Century' against England.
Thursday's opening match is a rematch of the 2010 curtain-raiser in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1. For the first time, the same fixture will open two World Cups.
A tournament of records
The 23rd edition hosts 48 teams (1,248 players) across Canada, Mexico and the United States, playing 104 matches over 39 days. The final is set for 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The group stage sends the top two from each of 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams into a new round of 32. FIFA projects revenues of 11 billion euros (US$13 billion), a 56% increase over Qatar 2022, with an estimated global GDP impact of about 40 billion euros.
- Opening ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles; Mexico vs South Africa at the Azteca
- Final at the New York New Jersey Stadium
The opening festivities stretch across three nations: a central ceremony at the Azteca, flanked by simultaneous events in Toronto and Los Angeles, all directed by Italian show producer Marco Balich. Shakira will perform in Mexico City, Katy Perry in the United States.
Geopolitical shadows
US president Donald Trump tightened visa screening, stating,
Somali referee Omar Artan, poised to become the first from his country to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry at Miami after an 11-hour interrogation. Iranian players received visas only days before the start, while several officials and staff were turned away. The presence of Iran, at a time of acute US-Iranian hostility, has drawn comparisons to the 1974 clash between West and East Germany. Security coordination has been entrusted to Andrew Giuliani, son of the former New York mayor, with a budget of nearly US$800 million that includes anti-drone defences.The visas for the World Cup? We let the right people in.
Voices of unity
From Spain, Pope Leo XIV sent a message to the football world:
Life is not a race to show off alone, but a path we learn to walk together. Whoever does not know how to pass the ball, even if talented, has not yet understood the game.
The favourites and the heat
Defending champions Argentina are among the contenders, but the last five World Cups have each produced a different winner. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, are widely tipped, alongside Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil, Spain, and England. Norway with Erling Haaland and Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo are seen as potential surprises. Heat will be a decisive factor, especially for matches played under the subtropical afternoon sun of US venues, echoing the conditions of the 1994 World Cup.
