The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday evening with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, launching a sprawling tournament of 48 teams that will last nearly six weeks.
The extravaganza hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada is the biggest World Cup in history, stretching until the final in New Jersey on 19 July.
It is projected to generate a record-breaking $13 billion (€11 billion) in total revenue.
The official opening ceremony lit up the Estadio Azteca stadium before the kickoff with Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy delighting the crowd with a performance of "Dai Dai," the official song of the tournament.
The start of the action on the pitch will likely come as a welcome relief to football's world governing body FIFA, which has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of tickets.
