The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins Thursday with the first match in a tournament that will feature 104 games held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match will see Mexico face South Africa at 3 p.m. ET in Mexico City. Prior to the game, there will be a livestream Q&A session hosted by NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk for subscribers at noon ET, allowing them to engage with questions about the tournament. Subscribers will also have the option to access the Q&A on demand after the live event concludes. This World Cup is expected to be the largest in history, significantly expanding the tournament’s reach and audience.
Why It Matters
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic collaboration between three nations, underscoring the growing trend of multi-host tournaments in international sports. This event will be the first World Cup to feature an expanded format of 48 teams, increasing participation and global engagement. The last tournament, held in Qatar in 2022, was the first to include this new format, which aims to enhance competitiveness and fan experience. As the tournament progresses, it will be closely watched for its economic and cultural impacts on the host countries, as well as its role in promoting soccer in North America.
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