The 2026 World Cup kicks off tonight, the greatest spectacle in football history

The wait is over. After four years of anticipation, the curtain rises tonight on the 2026 World Cup, the biggest tournament football has ever seen, with 48 national teams taking part, 104 matches and three host countries.

For more than a month, the world's attention will be focused on North America, where millions of fans in stadiums and billions more watching on screens will experience the excitement of the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.

The opening match will be played tonight at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, kicking off at 21:00 local time in Kosovo. The tournament's grand final is scheduled to be played on July 19.

For the first time in history, the World Cup is being hosted by three countries simultaneously – the United States of America, Mexico and Canada – while the new 48-team format brings more matches, more fans and more opportunities for surprises.

The opening ceremony in Mexico is expected to feature a major musical spectacle and festive activities, marking the official start of a month packed with footballing excitement.

Spain and France are seen as favorites

Spain and France rank among the leading contenders for the trophy. The European champions are relying on their talented new generation, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal considered one of the most promising names in world football.

Meanwhile, France remains one of the strongest teams in the competition, led by star Kylian Mbappé. Argentina, Brazil, England and Portugal are also among the favorites.

The last World Cup for Messi and Ronaldo?

This edition could also mark the end of a golden era. Two of the greatest footballers in history, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, may make their final appearances at the World Cup.

Argentina will try to defend the title it won in Qatar, while Messi aims to crown his international career with another major triumph. On the other hand, Ronaldo will seek to fulfill the one dream still missing from his extraordinary career.

New format opens the door to surprises

The expansion of the tournament has created opportunities for national teams that previously found it difficult to qualify for football's biggest stage. Debutants such as Jordan and Curaçao will aim to make history of their own.

The World Cup has always been the stage where surprises and new heroes emerge. From Cameroon in 1990 to Senegal in 2002, history has shown that nothing is impossible in football's most prestigious competition.

Starting tonight, for more than a month, the daily routines of billions of people will be intertwined with the excitement of the World Cup, as the world prepares to experience another unforgettable chapter in football history.