2026 FIFA World Cup commences with Mexico and South Africa opener
The expanded 48-team competition opens at the Estadio Azteca, with exclusive US broadcast rights held by FOX and FS1
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced on Thursday, June 11, with the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa. The match marked the start of the first tournament to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, bringing together an expanded field of 48 teams for a 39-day competition.
The opening game was held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament schedule spans from June 11 through to July 19, featuring a total of 104 matches across the three host nations. This expansion represents a significant shift in the event's scale, requiring complex logistical coordination across North America.
In the United States, exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the tournament are held by FOX and FS1. Coverage of the matches is available via the FOX One and FOX Sports applications, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers in the region as the competition unfolds.
Betting markets for the opening match are currently available through FanDuel. The availability of these markets coincides with the launch of the tournament, reflecting the commercial interest surrounding the inaugural game between the two national sides.
The 2026 World Cup continues with a dense schedule of fixtures across the host countries. With the opening match concluded, attention now turns to the remaining 103 matches that will determine the champion of the expanded tournament.
