The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway tonight at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament.
The fixture mirrors the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, when the same two nations played out a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
Before kick-off, supporters inside the famous venue will be treated to an opening ceremony featuring performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, who have recorded the official anthem for this year’s tournament.
Tonight’s game marks the beginning of a historic World Cup. For the first time, the competition has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, with 12 groups of four.
The top two teams in each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to a newly introduced Round of 32.
The expansion means the tournament will feature 104 matches, up from 64 in previous editions, while the competition will run across 39 days.
Group A
Mexico
South Africa
South Korea
Czechia
Hosts Mexico will be hoping home advantage can help them progress from a group that also includes South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.
Group B
Canada
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Qatar
Switzerland
Canada headline a competitive section alongside 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and European challengers Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Group C
Brazil
Morocco
Haiti
Scotland
One of the most eye-catching groups in the tournament due to the inclusion of five-time world champions Brazil who will take on Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
Group D
United States
Paraguay
Turkey
Australia
Co-hosts USA face a difficult path against Paraguay, Turkey and Australia.
Group E
Germany
Curaçao
Ivory Coast
Ecuador
Germany begin their campaign against a group featuring African heavyweights Ivory Coast, Ecuador and tournament newcomers Curaçao.
Group F
Netherlands
Japan
Sweden
Tunisia
A fascinating mix of European, Asian and African talent sees the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia battle for qualification.
Group G
Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand
Belgium will be favourites on paper, but Egypt, Iran and New Zealand will all believe they can cause problems.
Group H
Spain
Cabo Verde
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
Spain and Uruguay headline this group in the opening phase.
Group I
France
Senegal
Iraq
Norway
France will be expected to progress, but Senegal and Norway could provide stern opposition.
Group J
Argentina
Algeria
Austria
Jordan
Defending world champions Argentina begin their title defence in a group featuring Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Group K
Portugal
Congo
Uzbekistan
Colombia
Portugal face a tricky assignment against Colombia with Uzbekistan and Congo also included.
Group L
England
Croatia
Ghana
Panama
England have been handed one of the toughest groups in the tournament, facing 2018 finalists Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
With football’s biggest prize up for grabs and more teams involved than ever before, the 2026 World Cup promises to deliver a month of drama, excitement and unforgettable moments.
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