Ananya Lohia , Mexico - The countdown is over as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament marks a new chapter in football history as the biggest World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.

The opening Group A clash, scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST, rekindles memories of the 2010 World Cup opener, which also featured Mexico and South Africa. This edition is particularly significant as it is the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico. The expanded tournament format sees 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the Round of 32, creating the largest knockout phase in World Cup history. Alongside the three host nations, 45 teams earned qualification through a two-year qualifying campaign.

Players and teams will face unique challenges throughout the month-long tournament, including long-distance travel across three countries, varying climates, altitude conditions and multiple time zones. The competition is expected to test not only footballing ability but also endurance and adaptability. Football's biggest prize has been won by only eight nations — Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Spain, England and Uruguay. Meanwhile, the Netherlands remains one of the most successful teams yet to win the trophy despite reaching three World Cup finals.

With an expanded field, a historic hosting arrangement and some of the world's biggest football stars set to take centre stage, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to deliver unforgettable moments. The tournament will conclude with the final on July 19, crowning the next world champion after more than a month of high-stakes action.