World Cup 2026 spectacle kicks off tonight

KATHMANDU, June 11: Ninety-six years after the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, the tournament has grown into its biggest edition yet. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins Thursday night, will be the longest in history, running for 39 days and featuring a record number of participating nations.

For the first time, three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are jointly hosting the tournament. The opening match will see co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City in a Group A clash. The opening ceremony will take place in Mexico City, while the final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.

Group A also features Asian side South Korea and European nation Czechia. Most of the group's matches will be played in Mexico, with games scheduled in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Only one Group A match will be held outside Mexico, Czechia versus South Africa in Atlanta on June 18. Mexico will play two of its group-stage matches at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

This year's World Cup marks several firsts. It is the first tournament jointly hosted by three nations and will feature a record 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 host cities. The competition will run from Mexico to New York, concluding on July 19.

Unlike previous editions, the opening celebrations will not be limited to a single city. Ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles will follow a shared concept developed by renowned creative director Marco Balich, aiming to highlight football's power to unite people beyond language and culture.

Each host nation will showcase its own cultural identity. Mexico will feature its traditional "Papel Picado" art, Canada will present a theme of cultural diversity and unity, while the United States will emphasize technology and large-scale visual effects. Indigenous performances, folk dances, cultural programs, and appearances by international and Latin American music stars are expected to form the centerpiece of the ceremonies.

Artists reportedly linked to the celebrations include Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Tyla and several others.

Toronto's ceremony will mark a milestone for Canada, whose men's national team will play a World Cup match on home soil for the first time. The event is expected to feature performances by artists including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara and Michael Bublé. Canada will open its campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Los Angeles will host another major ceremony on June 12, showcasing advanced technology and global entertainment. Expected performers include Katy Perry, Anitta, Lisa and Rema. The United States will begin its campaign against Paraguay.

The World Cup has expanded dramatically since its debut in 1930 with just 13 nations. Since 1998, the tournament had featured 32 teams and 64 matches. FIFA's decision to expand the field to 48 teams drew criticism from some quarters, but it also opened the door for more countries to participate on football's biggest stage.

Beyond the new format, the tournament's biggest attraction remains its stars. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, along with Neymar. For Ronaldo and Messi, who have dominated world football for nearly two decades, this could be their final World Cup appearance, adding extra significance to the tournament.