2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off as Mexico beats South Africa 2-0

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on Thursday in Mexico City with co-hosts Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca, launching the largest edition of the tournament in history. The match, which featured three red cards, echoed the 2010 World Cup opener between the same two nations 16 years ago in Johannesburg.espn+1

A Spectacle Before Kickoff

The opening ceremony, held 90 minutes before the 3 p.m. ET kickoff, featured global superstars Shakira and Burna Boy performing "Dai Dai," the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. They were joined by a roster of artists including Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Maná, Belinda, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Danny Ocean, and Tyla. The ceremony at the 83,000-capacity venue marked the first time a stadium has hosted three World Cup opening matches, following the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.fifa+4

A Tournament of Unprecedented Scale

The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament runs through July 19, with 11 U.S. cities, three Mexican cities, and two Canadian cities serving as venues. Additional opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday in Toronto and Los Angeles, where Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina and the United States plays Paraguay, respectively. Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA are among performers slated for the Los Angeles ceremony, while Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette headline in Toronto.britannica+2

How to Watch

In the United States, FOX ↘ 1.75% and FS1 carry English-language broadcasts, with Telemundo providing Spanish-language coverage and streaming available on Peacock and Tubi. The tournament spans 39 days, concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.abcnews+2

Shakira is set to return for the World Cup Final halftime show.abcnews