With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now officially on the horizon, the ultimate battle for bragging rights has returned.

While more than 80,000 squeezed into the Azteca stadium to watch the opener, the optics of unoccupied rows at the 46,000-seat stadium in Guadalajara have intensified criticism of FIFA's commercial strategy for the first 48-team World Cup.

Once all-but-dominated by players with European heritage, Socceroos squads have become increasingly diverse.

South Korea were more than worthy of the 2-1 win, showing their trademark indomitable spirit with a come-from-behind victory to join Mexico atop Group A, all packed into the scintillating second half of a match the Asian side dominated.

OTT platforms fail to get people through the front door for World Cup matches

The spotlight shifts firmly onto North America's co-hosts on the second day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Canada and the United States prepare to embrace the pressure, expectation and excitement of opening their campaigns in front of home crowds.

The Bangladesh midfielder spoke about his World Cup memories, tournament predictions, his journey with Bangladesh, and more.

Julian Quinones, on Thursday night, carried his Saudi Pro League form onto football's biggest stage, scripting a piece of FIFA World Cup history.

South Korea came back from a goal down to snatch a thrilling 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener on Thursday, substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu grabbing the winner in the 80th minute.

Mexico prevailed with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez in a match they finished with 10 men after captain Cesar Montes was sent off, though they were rarely troubled.

Japan captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the World Cup with injury and announced his international retirement on Thursday, three days before his team's opener against the Netherlands.

The 2026 World Cup got off to a glittering start at Estadio Azteca yesterday.

Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy had the spectators out of their seats in the opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup in the Estadio Azteca on Thursday ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Long queues wrapped around the Azteca as fans faced a long wait to enter the first stadium to host matches across three World Cups. Inside, thousands sang ahead of kickoff.

"Chill, relax" was Gianni Infantino's message on Wednesday as the FIFA president sought to defuse concerns over visa issues that have clouded the buildup to the World Cup, saying soccer's governing body could not dictate immigration decisions to host nations.

Coach Javier Aguirre drew on memories of Mexico's last home World Cup on Wednesday as he prepared to lead the hosts into the tournament opener against South Africa, four decades after taking the field as a player at the Estadio Azteca.

Player and club numbers: 1,248 players from 449 clubs in 71 countries. 357 players have previous World Cup experience; 891 are debutants.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.

Hundreds of protesters returned to an area near Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on Wednesday night, hours before the opening ceremony of the World Cup was due to take place.