The 2026 FIFA World Cup started on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This stadium has now hosted World Cup matches three separate times—more than any other stadium in the world.

But this tournament is different in almost every way. For the first time, 48 teams are playing in the World Cup instead of 32. That means 104 matches instead of 64. More teams from Asia, Africa, and Central America now have a real chance to qualify. Whether this larger tournament will actually produce better football is still unclear.

A First: Three Countries, One Cup

Something else has never happened before: the United States, Mexico, and Canada are hosting the World Cup together. That's three countries holding one tournament at the same time. The U.S. is using eleven cities—from New York to Los Angeles, plus places like Dallas, Seattle, and Miami. Mexico and Canada are each hosting three cities.

Mexico is hosting the opening match, which is significant. Estadio Azteca has now hosted World Cup football three times. No other country has done that. Mexico also hosted in 1970 and 1986. FIFA announced this choice just two weeks before the tournament started.

Running a Tournament Across Borders

Managing 104 matches across three countries and multiple time zones is complicated. Organizers have to coordinate when games are broadcast, how teams travel, how people get credentials, and security—all while working within the laws of three different countries. Coordinating across borders at this scale hasn't really been tried before in a sporting event this big.

More teams also means more games, which is good for television and sponsors. But early games will likely have mismatches—like a strong team playing a much weaker one—which isn't as exciting. This is similar to what happened when professional soccer's Champions League added more teams.

In early reports, some international fans said they couldn't afford the expensive tickets and flights, so they stayed home. Hotel and airline bookings in the U.S. were weaker than expected. If fewer fans show up for group-stage games, FIFA will need to think about ticket prices for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.

What Happens Next

How the tournament actually affects football competition will take years to understand. More spots for teams from Asia, Africa, and the Americas mean these regions might invest more in developing their soccer programs. But that depends on decisions outside FIFA's control.

For the United States, this tournament is a test. If everything runs smoothly—fans are happy, stadiums work well, the event makes money—it will help the U.S. win hosting rights for a future World Cup. The world will be watching, especially after FIFA faced corruption scandals a few years ago.

The 2026 World Cup is the biggest one ever. The opening match has already been played. What it all means for the future of football will become clear over time.