The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially here. After years of buildup, the largest men’s soccer tournament in history kicked off Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — and the opening moments did not disappoint. Here’s everything you need to know as the world’s biggest sporting event gets underway across three nations.
Mexico Opens the Tournament With a Bang
The curtain rose on the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion. Just nine minutes into the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Julian Quiñones struck to score the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, pouncing on a loose ball outside the South Africa box and firing low through goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ legs. The Estadio Azteca — one of the most storied stadiums on the planet, host of both the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals — was electric.
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Spain the Favorite, But It’s Wide Open
Oddsmakers entering the tournament have Spain as the slight favorite at +450, with France (+500) and England (+700) close behind, followed by Brazil (+850), Portugal (+850), and defending champion Argentina (+1000). Spain’s bid rests heavily on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose fitness after a late-season muscular injury could determine how far La Furia Roja goes. Analysts at Fox Sports and ESPN have detailed breakdowns of the odds.
Argentina, meanwhile, is chasing something no men’s national team has done since Brazil in 1962: back-to-back World Cup titles. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both competing in their sixth World Cup appearance — an unprecedented milestone that may never be matched. Outlook India breaks down all six big storylines heading into the tournament.
The Controversy Nobody Wanted to Talk About
Before a ball was kicked, this World Cup was already making headlines for the wrong reasons. Trump administration immigration policies have created a chilling effect on international fan travel. A Somali referee was denied entry at a U.S. airport. An Iraqi team staff member was turned away. Dozens of Moroccan fans — many holding tickets and hotel reservations — were denied visas. Iran had its entire fan ticket allocation revoked before the tournament.
NPR’s in-depth report, “A warm World Cup welcome? U.S. immigration policies have chilling effect,” captures the tension well. When pressed, President Trump told reporters: “We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country.”
The Biggest World Cup Ever — By Every Measure
This is the first World Cup hosted across three countries, the first with 48 teams, and the first with 104 matches spread over 39 days. The U.S. hosts 78 of those matches across 11 cities, with the Final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Canada and Mexico each host 13 matches.
Scientists and sports medicine experts have also flagged heat as a serious concern. Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta regularly hit dangerous heat-stress levels in June and July — and fans attending games in those cities should plan accordingly. Full schedule and venue details can be found at FIFA.com.
What to Watch Next
The opening day also features South Korea vs. Czechia from Guadalajara. Tomorrow, June 12, the United States opens against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. For a full day-by-day schedule, Yahoo Sports has the complete fixture list with kickoff times and broadcast info.
Thirty-nine days. 48 teams. One trophy. It’s on.
Sources: NBC Sports · ESPN · Fox Sports · NPR · Outlook India · FIFA