MEXICO CITY — Mexico usually hits a wall when it plays on the opening day of the World Cup . Of the seven previous occurrences, El Tri’s record is five losses and two draws. Mexico gets another shot Thursday when it hosts South Africa to kick off the 48-team tournament .

Protesters have accused the Iranian government of using the tournament to sportswash its killing of dissidents.

THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP IS ALMOST HERE! We get you set with all of the title favorites, host nations, rule changes and can’t-miss players this summer. Messi, and Mbappé ARE BACK. So is Ronaldo and a LOADED Portugal squad.

Following the opening match of the World Cup, the pressure will already be on South Korea and Czechia. Not only will they follow up after Mexico and South Africa have kicked off the tournament, but they'll also have the unique scenario of knowing that one win could be all that a team needs to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.

Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the equalising goal during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group F football match between Portugal and

When the French national team pulled up to their Boston hotel for their World Cup run, they were greeted by hundreds of fans. WBZ-TV's Brandon Truitt reports.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said after his team's dominant win over Costa Rica on Wednesday that the Three Lions are starting to "click" into gear ahead of the World Cup.