AP:After years of preparation, a supersized World Cup has finally arrived.This year's tournament — which is hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico — was expanded to 48 teams that will play in 16 stadiums in a record 104 matches over the 39-day tournament.Mexico gets the World Cup started on Thursday and will be heavy favourites when they host South Africa in Mexico City. The second game of the day will be between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Mexico. All four teams are part of Group A.

There will be a record 104 matches over 39 days

With 48 teams, three host nations and more than a month of matches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history.

After a rocky buildup with high ticket prices, delayed federal funding for host cities, and visa issues, the World Cup has arrived.

It’s the largest in tournament history, with 48 teams and 104 matches.