The World Cup kicks off Thursday in Mexico City with co hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca, setting the stage for a tournament that will run nearly six weeks and feature 48 teams. This expanded edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is the biggest in history and will conclude with the final in New Jersey on July 19. FIFA projects record-breaking revenues of S13 billion, though the organization has faced sharp criticism over ticket prices and visa restrictions that have kept some officials, referees, and fans out of the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, defended the organization’s handling of the event. He argued that tickets, some of which have soared to S30,000, were priced fairly, pointing to a limited number of S60 tickets as evidence of affordability. He also dismissed concerns over visa issues, including the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US over alleged security concerns. Infantino acknowledged the setback but insisted FIFA could not control everything, urging critics to remain calm.
Infantino also highlighted Iran’s participation despite tensions with the US, calling it a success for FIFA’s diplomacy. He credited US President Donald Trump’s involvement as crucial to bringing the World Cup to American soil, saying the tournament would have been impossible without his support. Trump, for his part, confirmed he plans to attend some matches, praising the scale and success of the event.
On the pitch, South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players to brace for the deafening atmosphere of 85,000 Mexican fans in the Azteca. He urged focus and composure, noting that blocking out the noise would be key to a strong performance. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, meanwhile, is determined to break the team’s poor record in opening matches, having never won their first game in seven previous World Cup appearances.
Elsewhere, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara to round out the opening day. The expanded format promises a packed schedule and plenty of drama across North America’s stadiums. Bookmakers have tipped Spain, France, and England as favorites, while reigning champions Argentina will once again look to Lionel Messi, now 38, to inspire them to glory.
With the world’s attention fixed on the tournament, excitement is building despite the controversies. Fans and players alike are preparing for a spectacle that promises to be bigger, louder, and more unpredictable than any World Cup before it.
