FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in North America with Grand Ceremonies and Early Matches
The highly anticipated tournament has begun across the US, Canada, and Mexico, featuring vibrant opening events and initial group stage games.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially commenced across North America, with opening ceremonies and initial matches captivating fans in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The landmark tournament, expanded to feature 48 teams, kicked off on June 11, 2026, and will run until July 19, 2026, across 16 host cities.
Festivities began with a vibrant opening ceremony in Mexico City, preceding the inaugural match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa on June 11. Additional ceremonies were held in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12, marking the first time the World Cup has had multiple opening events. The United States Men's National Team played their first game on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
This edition of the World Cup is set to be the largest ever, with 104 matches scheduled over 39 days, promising widespread excitement and celebration for football enthusiasts across the continent.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: highlights the 'perfectly American start' and questions about Trump's absence.
- BBC: covers the kick-off in US and Canada, performances, and fan experiences at watch parties like Niagara Falls.
- AJ: emphasizes USA's strong start, celebrity attendance, fan fever in LA, and player issues like Partey's visa.
- The Guardian: features pictures of the opening ceremony and USA's victory, also noting Partey's absence.
- AP: reports on FIFA blaming empty seats on concourse fans and Partey's visa denial.
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