Football’s biggest tournament opened on Thursday with something the world had never seen before — three opening ceremonies, three host nations, and one shared moment of global celebration.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began on June 11 in Mexico City, where Burna Boy and Shakira performed the official tournament anthem ‘Dai Dai’ before Mexico faced South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.
A Historic First
For the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, three separate opening ceremonies were staged — one for each host nation. Mexico City kicked off the festivities at the Estadio Azteca. Consequently, the legendary stadium became the only venue in history to have hosted World Cup matches across three separate tournaments — 1970, 1986, and now 2026.
Toronto’s ceremony featured Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette. Los Angeles, meanwhile, staged the third ceremony at SoFi Stadium with Katy Perry, Rema, LISA, Tyla, Anitta, and Future performing to a packed crowd.
The Biggest Tournament Ever
This World Cup is the largest in football history. A total of 48 teams are competing across 104 matches — up from 32 teams and 64 matches at previous editions. Africa has 10 representatives, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa.
Nigeria, however, is absent. The Super Eagles missed qualification after losing to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs. As a result, this is the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria has missed. That fact has not been lost on Nigerian fans watching the ceremonies from home.
Why the World Is Watching
The expanded format means more matches, more nations, and more stories. Furthermore, the tri-host format gives the tournament a unique cultural flavour — part Latin American passion, part North American spectacle, part Canadian warmth.
The first match took place in Mexico City. The world tuned in. And for the next 39 days, football takes over everything.
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