Mexico City. The long wait of football lovers all over the world including India ended at 12:30 midnight on June 12 when the FIFA World Cup 2026 started at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. In today’s match, host team Mexico is facing South Africa. This is the opening match of the biggest World Cup with 48 teams, in which a total of 104 matches will be played.

This could be Messi-Ronaldo’s last World Cup

Along with this, let us also tell you that this World Cup may prove to be the last World Cup of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Apart from these, this could also prove to be the last World Cup for Germany’s Thomas Muller, Brazil’s Neymar Jr. and Croatia’s Luka Modric.

Shakira increased the excitement in the opening ceremony

A grand opening ceremony was held just 90 minutes before the start of the match. Colombian superstar Shakira teamed up with Nigerian singer Burna Boy for the first live performance of the official World Cup anthem ‘Dai Dai’. Shakira’s energetic dance moves, powerful voice and stage presence made the entire stadium dance. This is Shakira’s fourth association with the World Cup. He also gave the hit song ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ in the 2010 World Cup.

Other stars also gave great performances in the ceremony:

J Balvin (Colombia)
Tyla (South Africa)
Belinda, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules (Mexican and Latin artists). The theme of the ceremony was based on traditional Mexican culture, which was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Starting lineup of both teams

South Africa:

1. Goalkeepers: Sipho Chen, Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss
2. Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Khulumani Nadamane, Thabang Matuludi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Olwethi Makhanya
3. Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphelo Sithole, Thalante Mbatha, Jayden Adams
4. Forwards: Themba Jwane, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Apolis, Ikram Renners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi.

Mexico:

• Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa
• Defenders: Edson Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez
• Midfielders: Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Erick Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Orbelin Pineda
• Forwards: Alexis Vega, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Guillermo Martínez, Julián Quiñones, Raul Giménez, Santiago Giménez
• The match is still going on. Both the teams have come to give their best performance in this historic match. This edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is being played in three host countries – Canada, Mexico and America. Opening ceremonies will also be held tomorrow in Canada and America.