The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, is a major global football tournament. It will run from June 11 through July 19 and feature 48 teams and 104 matches, drawing millions of soccer fans to 16 stadiums across North America. This is the biggest-ever edition of the World Cup.
Mexico hosted the first match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11. By doing so, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City became the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, in 1970, 1986 and 2026, marking a historic legacy. It also previously hosted two legendary FIFA World Cup finals. In 1970, Brazil’s national team, the Seleção Brasileira, led by coach Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo and featuring Pelé, defeated Italy’s national team, the Azzurri, to win their third world championship. Later, in 1986, Argentina’s national team, the Selección Argentina de Fútbol (La Albiceleste), led by Diego A. Maradona, defeated West Germany to win their second world title.
Thus, the World Cup legacy earned by Mexico reflects the hospitality and festivities of this culturally rich Latin American country, welcoming teams from around the world and bringing nations together, sending a ray of hope to billions across the world.
