2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with 48 teams across three nations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens Thursday with Mexico vs. South Africa, launching a 38-day, 48-team tournament — the first hosted by three nations.cbssports
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, has begun training with Portugal ahead of a record sixth World Cup appearance under coach Roberto Martinez.openthemagazine
FIFA announced a new video game, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, will debut on Netflix ↗0.55% Games on June 11 to coincide with kickoff.reuters

2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Begins as Tournament Kicks Off June 11

The largest FIFA World Cup in history is days away. On Thursday, June 11, Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 tournament, launching a 38-day, 104-match spectacle spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded 48-team format marks a first for the competition, which will run through July 19.cbssports

Bay Area Hopes for a Soccer Awakening

In the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the host regions with six matches scheduled at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, fans are hoping the tournament will accelerate soccer’s growth in the United States. Reuters reported on Thursday that the World Cup is set to boost the region’s “fast-growing grassroots soccer” scene, with community-driven clubs and passionate supporters eager to see the sport gain broader cultural footing. The Bay Area’s existing soccer infrastructure — anchored by clubs like the San Jose Earthquakes, Oakland Roots SC, and Bay FC — provides a foundation that fans believe the World Cup can build upon.sfbayareafwc26

Ronaldo Returns for a Record Sixth World Cup

Meanwhile in Portugal, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has reported to the national team’s training camp at Cidade do Futebol as he prepares for a record sixth World Cup appearance. Video posted in early June showed Ronaldo training with Roberto Martinez’s squad, with the captain looking sharp in session as Portugal gears up for the tournament.openthemagazine

LEGOLAND California Joins the Celebration

LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is marking the occasion with a soccer-themed transformation of its LEGO SoFi Stadium in MINILAND USA — the largest LEGO stadium in the world. The brick-built replica has been outfitted with thousands of additional LEGO elements, including soccer players and match-day details, with the U.S. Men’s National Team depicted playing Paraguay on the miniature field. The resort will host its FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience from June 11 through July 19, featuring soccer-themed activities for families.legoland

FIFA also announced this week that it will release a new video game, FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, on Netflix Games beginning June 11 to coincide with kickoff.reuters