World Cup 2026: Matches, fan experiences, and logistical challenges across host cities

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commenced on June 11, 2026, marking a historic tournament co-hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This edition is notable as the first to feature three host nations and an expanded format with 48 participating teams, making it the largest World Cup to date. Early matches have already generated significant interest, with the opening game taking place in Mexico City.

Fan excitement has been palpable, with vibrant opening ceremonies held across the host nations, although public reactions to these events have been varied. A key feature of this World Cup is the historic debut of several smaller nations on the global stage, including Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Curaçao, in particular, has made history as the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament. These first-time appearances underscore the expanded tournament's role in fostering greater global representation in football.