The Largest FIFA World Cup in History Kicks Off Today

May 28, Kathmandu – Football remains the world’s most popular sport, often referred to as the global game, with more than 200 countries actively participating, reflecting its vast global appeal.

The worldwide popularity of football makes the World Cup a unique spectacle. The focus now is on the FIFA World Cup 2026, which commences tonight in North America.

The opening match will take place at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. According to Nepal Standard Time, the match kicks off at 12:45 AM.

This 23rd edition represents the grandest celebration of global football and is the world’s biggest sporting event, capturing the hearts of billions of fans worldwide. Mexican spectators will officially inaugurate the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Thousands of players have gathered in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with millions of fans ready to watch live and tens of millions more enjoying through various media platforms.

Forty-eight teams, fulfilling the dreams of centuries of football enthusiasts, have prepared zealously. This edition is poised to become the most magnificent and historic World Cup ever.

An Historic and Grand World Cup

With nearly 100 years of history behind it, the 23rd edition stands as the largest and most historic to date. Even before starting, numerous records have been broken, and new milestones are anticipated on the field.

This World Cup is unique due to the increased number of teams and games, alongside extensive use of advanced technology.

Forty-eight nations—the largest number of teams ever—are participating. The tournament will last 39 days and is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Since its inception in Uruguay in 1930, this marks the first time three countries are co-hosting the event.

The number of teams has increased from 32 to 48, with a total of 104 matches, which is 40 more games than the previous Qatar World Cup.

European teams have 16 slots, Africa 10, Asia 9, North and South America 6 each, and Oceania 1 team. Due to the expanded team count, the number of players has reached 1,248.

Final teams representing 48 nations participating in FIFA World Cup 2026.

Among these players, 22 have won the previous World Cup, and 357 have participated in at least one World Cup before, while the remaining 981 players will be experiencing the tournament for the first time.

Matches will be held across 16 cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This tri-national hosting ushers in a new era in global football.

World Cup Returns to North America After Three Decades

After 30 years, the FIFA World Cup returns to North America, this time as a joint event among three countries. The USA last hosted in 1994, Mexico in 1986, and Canada will be hosting the men’s tournament for the first time.

This marks Mexico’s third, USA’s second, and Canada’s inaugural World Cup hosting.

Participating Teams and Format

The 48 teams are evenly divided into 12 groups of 4. The group stage consists of 72 matches. The top two teams from each group, along with the best eight third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout round of 32.

A new round—Round of 32—has been added to the competition format. Teams reaching the final can play up to 8 matches. The knockout phase will feature 32 matches.

Four Nations Making Their World Cup Debut

Four nations are participating in their first World Cup: Uzbekistan and Jordan from Asia; Cape Verde from Africa; and Curaçao from the North and Central American Caribbean region. Curaçao, a small nation with a population nearing 150,000, is also participating for the first time.

These four teams aim to reach the knockout stages in their inaugural appearance.

The Oldest and Youngest Players

The oldest player is Scotland’s Craig Gordon, who will be 43 years and 162 days old on opening day. The youngest participant is Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, aged 17 years and 240 days.

The tournament includes 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or older.

Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is participating with ambitions of winning his first title, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi is playing in his sixth World Cup. Croatia’s captain Luka Modrić and Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, both over 40, are also competing. Brazil’s Neymar, Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah may be appearing in their final World Cups. Conversely, young talents like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lane Amal are prepared to lead the next generation.

Previous World Cup Champions

Since the first tournament in 1930, thirteen nations have won the World Cup across 22 editions. Five nations have reached the final but have yet to secure the title.

Five European countries have been crowned champions, while three South American nations have claimed the trophy. Teams from other continents have not yet won the World Cup.

Brazil leads with 5 titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), followed by Italy and Germany with 4 each.

Argentina has lifted the trophy three times (1978, 1986, 2022), Uruguay twice (1930, 1950), and France twice (1998, 2018). England won once in 1966, and Spain in 2010.

Separate Opening Ceremonies in Each Host Country

A unique feature of this World Cup is that each of the three major host nations will hold their own opening ceremony.

Mexico’s inauguration match takes place on June 11. Ceremonies will also be held in the USA and Canada prior to their first matches.

FIFA has scheduled separate 90-minute events for each nation. The world-renowned artist Shakira will perform in Mexico, while entertainers like Katy Perry will entertain American audiences.

Opening ceremonies in Los Angeles, USA, and Toronto, Canada, are set for June 12.

The final match’s halftime will feature a spectacle akin to the Super Bowl, with performances by Shakira, Madonna, and South Korean group BTS.

Main Question – Who Will Win the World Cup?

Before and during every World Cup, the central question remains: who will be the champion? This year, due to the expanded teams and new tournament format, the question is even more intriguing and complex.

The answer will be revealed at the final on July 19 in New York-New Jersey. Past finalists France and Spain are leading contenders. Current champion Argentina, England, and Brazil also remain strong contenders.

Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Netherlands, finalists three times but never champions, are also strong candidates.

Overall, the expanded field, new structure, summer scheduling, and technological advancements make predicting the winner more challenging. Insights will become clearer after the group stage concludes.

The defending champion Argentina, led by Messi, aims to retain the title, while France strives to become the first nation to win three consecutive World Cups. Brazil, a five-time champion, targets victory again on American soil, last achieved in 1994.

Historically, Brazil’s 1970 victory in Mexico made Pelé the first to win three World Cups. Argentina’s 1986 triumph was marked by Diego Maradona’s extraordinary solo performances.

World Cup Prize Awards

Winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive the original World Cup trophy along with a cash prize. FIFA will allow the champions to keep the original trophy for photoshoots and ceremonies before replacing it with a replica.

The total prize money this year is $655 million USD—around 50% higher than the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The champion team will earn $50 million, equivalent to approximately 7 billion Nepali rupees, reflecting a significant rise from the previous tournament’s payouts.

The runner-up will receive $33 million, third place $29 million, and fourth place $27 million. Quarterfinalists will get $19 million, round of 16 teams $15 million, and round of 32 teams $11 million.

Teams eliminated in the group stage will still earn $9 million each, with an additional $1.5 million per qualifying nation for preparation expenses. Each participating team is guaranteed at least $10.5 million.

(Match schedule based on Nepal Standard Time)

The FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule according to Nepal Standard Time is listed below.