Mexico city: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to commence today, marking a significant moment as the tournament is jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The opening match will see host nation Mexico face South Africa in Group A, taking place at the iconic Azteca Stadium at 23:00 Baku time.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this edition of the FIFA World Cup is historic as it features the participation of 48 teams for the first time. The expansion from the traditional 32-team format highlights the growing global interest and inclusivity in the sport. The joint hosting arrangement among the three North American countries also reflects a collaborative approach to staging one of the world's most watched sporting events.