Shakira opened the world's fair with a brilliant ceremony.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, marking a historic milestone as the largest edition of the tournament ever held. For the first time in its history, the competition spans three countries—Mexico, the United States, and Canada—with matches taking place across 16 cities. This expansion includes 11 host cities in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. With 48 participating teams, the tournament breaks away from the traditional 32-team format that had remained unchanged since 1998. The event commenced with three distinct opening ceremonies, each tailored to the host city, drawing global attention and setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated sporting spectacles in modern times.

The opening match was held in Mexico City at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where Mexico faced South Africa. The ceremony preceding the match featured performances by Shakira and Burna Boy, who delivered the official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, incorporating traditional art forms and local talent into its presentation. The ceremony began 90 minutes before kickoff and lasted approximately half an hour, showcasing the country’s artistic traditions through dance and music. Local artists performed alongside international stars, emphasizing the theme of cultural diversity and tolerance. Notably, the ceremony in Mexico City was not broadcast live in the United States, which sparked some curiosity among American viewers.

In Toronto, Canada's opening ceremony took place at BMO Field, now expanded to accommodate 45,000 spectators. The event featured Canadian musicians such as Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, and Michael Bublé, reflecting the nation’s diverse musical landscape. The stadium underwent significant renovations to meet the demands of hosting a World Cup match, ensuring a seamless experience for both local and international fans. The ceremony celebrated Canada’s multicultural identity, reinforcing the significance of unity through sports.

Los Angeles hosted the U.S. opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium, where performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla captivated audiences. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of these performances in representing the cultural richness of the United States and its influence on global music and entertainment. The U.S. men’s national team followed up with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening match, wearing new kits inspired by historical designs, including the iconic stripes from the 1994 World Cup era.

Security measures have been heightened across all host cities in the United States, with the FBI deploying tactical teams to ensure the safety of players, fans, and visitors. FBI Director Kash Patel outlined the necessity of these precautions given the unprecedented scale of the event. The presence of large crowds and high-profile athletes necessitates robust security protocols, particularly in major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The tournament features a wide array of teams, including several making their debut on the World Cup stage. Countries like Curacao, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan are participating for the first time, adding to the competitive depth of the competition. Argentina, the defending champions following their dramatic win over France in the 2022 World Cup, are grouped with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Other top contenders include Spain, England, and France, each bringing formidable squads led by star players such as Lionel Messi, Luis de la Fuente, and Kylian Mbappé.

As the tournament progresses, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to witness the unfolding drama on the pitch. With billions of viewers expected to tune in, the 2026 World Cup stands poised to become a defining moment in football history, uniting people across continents under the shared passion for the beautiful game.