An Anti-FIFA World Cup activist paints an X on a ball that reads FIFA during a protest outside the Azteca stadium that will host the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Mexico City on May 27, 2026. Photo: Yuri Cortez / AFP / Lehtikuva
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City, launching the largest tournament in the competition’s history and one already shaped by political disputes, visa controversies and security concerns.
For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the tournament, an increase from 32 at the previous edition in Qatar. The expansion raises the number of matches from 64 to 104 and adds an extra knockout round. Teams reaching the final will play eight matches instead of seven.
The competition is also the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations. The United States, Canada and Mexico will stage matches across a vast geographical area stretching thousands of kilometres and covering multiple time zones.
FIFA expects the tournament to generate record revenues. According to figures discussed during FIFA's congress in Vancouver, the event is projected to bring in around $13 billion.
