India, June 11 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin with a grand opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the start of the biggest tournament in FIFA World Cup history.

Hosts Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening Group A fixture. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST and revives memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener, which also featured the same two teams.

The 2026 edition introduces a historic expansion from 32 to 48 participating nations, making it the largest World Cup ever staged. A record 104 matches will be played during the tournament, including 72 group-stage games and 32 knockout fixtures.

For the first time, the tournament is being jointly hosted by three countries - Un...