Article detail

Mexico City – The wait is finally over. The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, marking the beginning of the biggest and most ambitious tournament in football history. Jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, this historic World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities.

The Historic Opening Match

The tournament begins tonight at the iconic Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), featuring the host nation, Mexico, facing off against an African opponent. For football fans watching from Nepal, the action will be broadcast live starting at 12:45 AM NST (Viasat/local broadcast).

With this match, the Mexico City Stadium cements its place in football folklore, becoming the first stadium in history to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986.

A Spectacular 90-Minute Opening Ceremony

Before the ball rolls, a grand 90-minute opening ceremony will light up Mexico City.

• Musical Headliner: Global pop icon Shakira will take centre stage to perform the official FIFA anthem, "Dai Dai".

• Cultural Showcase: The ceremony will celebrate Mexico’s rich blend of art, vibrant culture, and scientific achievements.

To ensure the success of the event and manage the massive influx of fans, the Mexican government has declared a public holiday in the capital city today. Schools are closed, and essential government services have transitioned to a 'work from home' model to ease traffic around the stadium.

Mexico’s Group Stage Schedule

As a co-host, Mexico will enjoy a strong home-turf advantage, playing all three of their group stage matches in front of their passionate fans:

1. Match 1: Today at the Mexico City Stadium.

2. Match 2: Thursday, June 18, at the Estadio Guadalajara.

3. Match 3: Wednesday, June 24, returning to the Mexico City Stadium.

USA and Canada to Hold Separate Openers on June 12

While Mexico gets the tournament underway today, co-hosts Canada and the United States will host their own distinct opening ceremonies tomorrow, Friday, June 12. Canada will celebrate its opener in Toronto, while the United States will kick off its festivities in Los Angeles.

The Biggest World Cup in History

According to FIFA, this edition is officially the largest ever organised. Transitioning from the traditional 32-team format to a 48-team tournament, the event will feature a total of 1,248 players showcasing their talent on the world stage. Over the next few weeks, a staggering 104 matches will be played across 16 venues in the three host nations, promising an unprecedented feast of football for fans worldwide.