The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced today with cohosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament opener. The highly anticipated match kicked off at Mexico City Stadium in the heart of Mexico City.

The opening ceremony, held 90 minutes prior to the scheduled 1pm local time kickoff (19:00 GMT), marked the beginning of the 23rd edition of football's premier international competition. This event also signals the start of the largest World Cup in history, hosted across three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The historic Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, is making history as the first venue to host three World Cups. The stadium boasts a capacity of 83,000 and was the site of memorable finals in 1970 and 1986, featuring legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. Its altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level adds a unique challenge for visiting teams.

This opening fixture is a replay of the 2010 World Cup opener, adding a layer of historical resonance to the event. The stadium, which is the home ground for the Mexican national team and Liga MX club Club América, is one of 16 venues selected across 16 cities for this expansive tournament.

Fellow cohosts Canada and the United States will begin their World Cup campaigns on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Both of their opening matches will also be preceded by dedicated opening ceremonies. The tournament structure sees matches played across the three host nations, with this opening game setting the tone for the group stage.

Defending champions Argentina, who clinched the title in Qatar in 2022, are scheduled to begin their title defense against Algeria on Wednesday. The global football community will be closely watching the progress of all participating nations as the tournament unfolds over the coming weeks.

Fans gathered outside the Mexico City Stadium ahead of the match, with FIFA-branded items and flags visible inside the venue, creating a festive atmosphere. The match is the first of many scheduled for the Mexico City Stadium, which will also host another group stage fixture for the Mexican team.

Al Jazeera Sport is providing comprehensive coverage of the World Cup 2026, including live updates, features, and photo galleries from across the tournament. The opening day schedule in Mexico began with stadium gates opening at 9:00 am local time, followed by pre-game activities leading up to the main event.