2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico City with Mexico and South Korea Victories
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began on June 11 in Mexico City with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 and South Korea beating Czechia in opening matches. The tournament features a record 48 teams and 1,248 players across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Tournament Opens with Historic Expansion
It's day two of the World Cup, and after wins for Mexico and South Korea last night, the tournament continues with the latest news from the tournament. Al Qadsiah forward Julián Quiñones had the honour of scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup when he gave El Tri the lead against South Africa on their way to a 2-0 victory in the opening game. In the other game on opening night, South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia.
Record-Breaking Scale
With a record 48 teams and 1,248 players, there's an endless number of stats about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies. This is the first time the World Cup has expanded to 48 participating nations, representing a significant milestone in the tournament's history.
U.S. Team Preparation
The U.S. men's national soccer team, which last appeared at the 2022 World Cup, will face Paraguay to kick off its 2026 World Cup. With 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it's like "a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks," U.S. team captain Tim Ream told CBS News.
Security and Access Issues
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who says he was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport, would play no part in the World Cup. Several members from Iran, Iraq, and Somalia, along with international sports delegations including referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, are denied visas and blocked from entering the United States for the FIFA World Cup.