FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Week: Every Result, Every Story
The expanded 48-team tournament is finally underway across the US, Canada and Mexico. Here is what happened in week one.
<p>The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a packed schedule of group-stage fixtures spread across 16 cities in three countries. This is the first tournament to feature 48 nations, and the opening week already delivered upsets, record crowds and viral moments.</p>
<h2>Opening ceremony and Mexico vs opener</h2>
<p>Estadio Azteca hosted the tournament opener, a role it now holds across three different World Cups. Mexico faced a tough group opponent in front of a sold-out crowd, and the atmosphere set the tone for the co-hosted format.</p>
<h2>United States and Canada get going</h2>
<p>The USMNT played its first match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, while Canada opened in Toronto. Both co-hosts came in under pressure to justify automatic qualification, and both delivered results that kept local fans engaged.</p>
<h2>Group-stage upsets to watch</h2>
<p>Several smaller nations making their debut used the expanded format to shock traditional powers. FIFA has confirmed that average attendance in week one is already tracking higher than 2022 Qatar figures.</p>
<h2>What is next</h2>
<p>The second round of group games runs through the coming week, with knockout seeding decided by the end of the month. Fans can check kickoff times in local zones through FIFA's official schedule.</p>
