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June 11, 2026 / 5:01 AM EDT
/ CBS News
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The biggest World Cup tournament in history has arrived in North America, and soccer fans across the globe are buzzing with excitement for the opening matches and star-studded ceremonies on Thursday and Friday. From Mexico City to New York to Toronto, millions of spectators draped in their country's colors will gather to watch 48 national soccer teams compete at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup. It's the first time the tournament will use the newly expanded field, up from the previous 32-team format that had been in place since 1998.It's also the first time three nations are hosting one of the world's most-watched sporting events. 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies. Before the Group A match between Mexico and South Africa kicks off Thursday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Shakira and Burna Boy will perform "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the opening ceremony. The show will begin at 11:30 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET) and will include other musical artists featured in the FIFA World Cup's first-ever album, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla, according to FIFA.
