World Cup 2026 Opens in Mexico City as U.S. Prepares First Match Against Paraguay

—The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with an opening ceremony in Mexico City, with the host nation beating South Africa 2-0 in front of a packed Estadio Azteca. The expanded 48-team tournament is the first co-hosted across three countries — Mexico, the United States, and Canada — with venues spread from Vancouver to Miami. The U.S. men's national team faces Paraguay shortly after the opener in what the federation considers a critical early statement. Fans traveled from across the globe, though high ticket prices drew criticism before the tournament found its footing.