The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is about to come to an end, with the official kickoff scheduled for next Thursday, June 11th. This historic tournament promises significant innovations, from an expanded competition format to a record number of matches and, for the first time in history, three host nations: the United States, Mexico and Canada. The inaugural celebration will be a grand spectacle, marking a new chapter for world football.
The first of three opening ceremonies is scheduled for 2:30 pm (Brasília time). The event will take place an hour and a half before the first match of the World Cup, which will pit the teams from Mexico and South Africa face to face. The stage chosen for this memorable moment is the iconic Azteca Stadium, located in vibrant Mexico City, a place with a rich history in the world of football.
With a capacity for more than 87 thousand spectators, the Azteca Stadium is a monument to the history of football. It will become the first stadium in the world to host matches in three different editions of the World Cup, having hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals. This feat highlights its importance and the profound legacy it carries for the sport, witnessing unforgettable moments such as Maradona’s “Hand of God” and Pelé’s legendary goal. The choice of Azteca to host the opening reinforces the tournament’s connection with its historical roots, while also pointing to an expanded and globalized.
Renowned artists and the official global song shine at the opening party
A constellation of talents is confirmed to brighten the opening party in Mexico City, promising a rich and diverse cultural experience. Among the renowned artists who will take the stage are Alejandro Fernández, known for his powerful voice in the mariachi genre; Belinda, Mexican pop star; Danny Ocean, Venezuelan reggaeton singer and producer; the global J Balvin, one of the biggest names in urban music; Lila Downs, the acclaimed Mexican singer and songwriter; Los Ángeles Azules, a cumbia group that draws crowds; Maná, the iconic Latin rock band; and Tyla, the South African sensation.
In addition to these strong presences, the ceremony will have a special moment with the performance of the official song of the world championship. Global star Shakira, already a veteran of World Cup participation, and acclaimed Nigerian musician Burna Boy will be responsible for this performance. Shakira, with memorable hits like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and “La La La (Dare You)”, is synonymous with World Cup anthems, and her collaboration with Grammy winner Burna Boy promises a sound that will resonate across the planet, uniting Latin and African rhythms. The choice of these artists reflects FIFA’s intention to embrace the cultural and musical diversity of the participating nations.
A revolutionary new format and unprecedented expansion for football
The 2026 edition marks a significant transformation in the World Cup format. For the first time, the tournament will feature the participation of 48 teams, a considerable increase compared to the 32 teams in previous editions. This expansion aims to democratize access to the biggest stage in world football, offering more countries the opportunity to compete and inspire their populations. The new model will include 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group, in addition to the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to a round of 32 stage.
This change implies a much greater number of matches, totaling 104 games throughout the tournament, compared to the previous 64. While this presents a logistical and physical challenge for the teams, it also promises more excitement and more opportunities for surprises. The extended knockout stage means teams will need more depth in their squads and more robust strategies to reach the final. For FIFA, the expansion represents not only an increase in revenue from broadcasting rights and sponsorships, but also a way to encourage the development of football in regions that have historically had less chance of qualifying.
- Increase in Participants:From 32 to 48 teams, expanding global representation.
- New Phases:Introduction of the round of 32 round, increasing the excitement of the knockout stage.
- More Matches:The total number of games jumps to 104, extending the duration of the tournament.
- More Recipe:Projections indicate a substantial increase in FIFA’s revenues.
- Opportunity for Emerging Nations:Countries with less tradition in football gain more places, encouraging the sport.
Three host nations: The challenges and benefits of a continental partnership
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be organized by three different countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. This unprecedented partnership reflects the growing complexity and gigantism of the event, which requires robust infrastructure, hosting capacity and mobility for millions of fans. The choice of multiple venues was a strategic solution to accommodate the expanded format and numerous games, distributing the costs and benefits between the three nations.
The decision to have “three distinct opening ceremonies” is a direct consequence of this multi-site configuration. While the main ceremony and opening game will take place in Mexico, the United States and Canada are also expected to celebrate the start of their respective segments of the tournament with significant events. This allows each host country to imprint its culture and identity on the celebration, while also marking the start of the games in their cities. The logistics of coordinating team and fan travel across three different borders will be monumental, requiring unprecedented cooperation between governments and sporting organizations to ensure the safety and smooth running of the event.
The benefits of this collaboration are vast. In addition to the distribution of investments and risks, the triple World Cup promises a much greater geographic and cultural reach, exposing football to new audiences and reinforcing its popularity across North America. It is estimated that millions of foreign tourists visit the host cities, generating a billion-dollar economic impact in terms of consumption, accommodation and transport. Transport and technology infrastructure will receive a considerable boost, leaving a lasting legacy for the communities involved.
Economic impact and lasting legacy for host cities
The organization of a World Cup of such magnitude in three different countries has an unprecedented economic impact on the host cities and nations. The billions of dollars invested in infrastructure – from modernizing stadiums to improving transportation systems and communications networks – represent a tangible legacy that will remain after the tournament ends. Furthermore, the arrival of millions of fans and tourists from all over the world will significantly boost the tourism, hotel, food and local commerce sectors.
For the 16 host cities (11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico and 2 in Canada), the event will be a global showcase, attracting media attention and future investments. The generation of jobs, both direct and indirect, will be massive, ranging from the construction and operation of stadiums to security, health and entertainment services. An increase in economic activity is expected in the years leading up to the tournament and during it, with multiplier effects that benefit several production chains. The international visibility provided by the World Cup can also encourage cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic relations between participating countries, creating ties that go beyond sport.
Global tracking and the fan experience in the digital age
The 2026 World Cup broadcast will reach a global audience, using the most advanced technologies to bring every detail of the tournament to fans. In Brazil, football fans will be able to follow the live broadcast of events and games through the Globo, ge.globo and sportv channels, guaranteeing complete coverage on both open and closed television. This wide availability will allow millions of Brazilians not to miss any moment of the competition, from the opening ceremony to the grand final.
In addition to traditional broadcasting, the ge.globo portal will offer robust and interactive digital coverage. A dedicated real-time page will ensure fans stay up to date with all the moves, results and statistics, with minute-by-minute updates. Exclusive video content, interviews and in-depth analysis will enrich the online experience, allowing fans to delve even deeper into the World Cup universe. Social media will also play a crucial role, with instant sharing of memorable moments, debates and interactions, connecting fans from different countries and cultures in a global celebration of football.
Prospects for the biggest World Cup in history
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the grandest and most transformative edition in football history. The expansion to 48 teams and co-organization by three nations represents a bold step by FIFA to further globalize the sport, reaching new markets and offering unprecedented opportunities to countries that previously had little chance to participate. This new era of the tournament reflects not only the evolution of football in terms of popularity, but also the ability to adapt to a globalized and interconnected scenario.
Expectations are very high, both in terms of sporting spectacle and cultural and economic impact. The success of this edition will serve as a model for future World Cups, paving the way for even more inclusive and geographically diverse formats. As the ball rolls across the fields of the United States, Mexico and Canada, the world will be witnessing not just a football competition, but an event that celebrates unity, diversity and universal passion for the most popular sport on the planet. The 2026 World Cup promises to leave a lasting legacy, redefining what it means to be a host and participant in the world’s biggest football tournament.
