Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off in North America

The largest FIFA World Cup tournament is underway in North America. Soccer enthusiasts worldwide are eager for the opening matches and ceremonies. The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup features 48 national teams competing across three nations: the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This marks the first use of the expanded format, increased from the previous 32 teams, and the first tri-country hosting.

Opening Ceremonies Across Hosts

Fans can look forward to three separate opening ceremonies across the host nations. In Mexico City, before Mexico faces South Africa, Shakira, Burna Boy, and other artists will perform “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song, at 11:30 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET). The event will see performances from Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

Toronto’s BMO Field, newly expanded to accommodate 45,000 fans, will host Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ceremony will start 90 minutes before kickoff at 1:30 p.m. ET with Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, and Michael Bublé performing.

In Los Angeles, the U.S. Men’s National Team will play Paraguay. Performers Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla will headline the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. local time (7:30 p.m. ET). According to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, the artist lineup highlights the U.S.’s cultural diversity and influence in music and entertainment.

Group Matches Begin

The opening ceremony in Mexico City will precede the first Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET). The match echoes their 2010 World Cup encounter, where they drew 1-1. In another Group A match, South Korea will face Czechia at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, at 9 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET).

Canada will debut in the Group B match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, starting at 3 p.m. ET. Concurrently in Los Angeles, the U.S. will play Paraguay at 6 p.m. local time (9 p.m. ET). The U.S. previously played a World Cup match at home on July 4, 1994. For 2026, the team will don new kits inspired by past jerseys. Fans can follow tournament updates at CBSSports.com.

Heightened Security Measures

Security is a top priority for this World Cup. The FBI has dispatched tactical teams to several U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas, to ensure safety. Special security protocols are in place for fans attending matches, such as those at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. FBI officials assure that preparations align with those for other major events, despite the tournament’s extended duration.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will focus on national security. Recent policy changes have raised concerns about potential impacts on the games. A Somalia soccer referee was barred from entering the U.S., raising questions about entry screenings.

Stadium Entry Requirements

FIFA’s stadium code bans specific items for safety reasons. Initially, the organization prohibited bringing all kinds of water bottles into stadiums. After feedback, they allow one soft, disposable, factory-sealed bottle up to 20 ounces. Hard reusable bottles remain banned. Beverages in stadiums are exclusively by Coca-Cola.

Tickets and Teams to Watch

The 2026 World Cup, held across 16 stadiums, offers more accessibility, but ticket prices have soared, drawing criticism. Despite high costs, fans are determined to attend. The tournament is also significant for gambling. The Netherlands, predicted by economist Joachim Klement, might surprise favorites like France, Spain, and Brazil. Strong team cohesion and defense make the Netherlands a contender.

The U.S. faces competition in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. Soccer isn’t America’s top sport, but the event’s betting landscape is thriving. Americans are expected to wager $3.1 billion, with additional activity on prediction markets.