Tonight, the eyes of the football world turn to Mexico City as the 23rd FIFA World Cup officially begins. In a historic moment, co-host Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match at the legendary Estadio Azteca, the first stadium to host three World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and now 2026).
This expanded tournament features 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, running until the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. The new format advances 32 teams from the group stage, promising more drama and high-stakes football.
Mexico, drawing on passionate home support and altitude advantage at Azteca, enters as favorites in Group A against South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. Veterans like Guillermo Ochoa and forwards such as Raúl Jiménez will lead El Tri, while Bafana Bafana bring resilience and counter-attacking threat.
The atmosphere promises to be electric, with millions of fans expected to fill the streets and stadium. As the biggest World Cup ever unfolds, tonight marks not just the start of a tournament, but a celebration of global unity through the beautiful game. Vamos México! The journey to glory begins now.
Pundits, including those on RTE say that England has a real chance of winning it.
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