The long wait has ended – the FIFA World Cup has officially begun, marking the start of football’s grandest spectacle.

This year’s edition introduces a new format with 48 teams battling across 104 matches for the ultimate title of world champions.

The first two fixtures kick off tonight, and here’s everything you need to know about the opening day of action.

The global tournament in North America ignites with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in Group A, following the first of three official opening ceremonies. The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will come alive with a star-studded line-up, as global icons Shakira, Burna Boy, and Salma Hayek help launch what promises to be a thrilling summer of football.

This encounter is a nostalgic rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, where Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable goal sealed a memorable result for South Africa. In a twist of fate, Javier Aguirre once again leads El Tri against Bafana Bafana, determined to steer his home nation clear of another group stage disappointment like the one they suffered in Qatar in 2022.

After tonight’s curtain-raiser, focus shifts to Guadalajara, where South Korea face the Czech Republic in another Group A clash that could prove crucial later in the tournament. The Taegeuk Warriors will once again be led by captain Son Heung-min, who is familiar with North American conditions after joining LAFC in Major League Soccer last year.

For Miroslav Koubek’s Czech Republic side, this marks a return to the World Cup stage after a 20-year absence. The team last featured in 2006, when they narrowly missed out on progressing to the Round of 16, edged out by Ghana.

With the competition’s expanded format allowing some of the best third-placed teams to qualify for the Round of 32, both South Korea and the Czech Republic will be eager to start their campaigns with a positive result.

Today’s World Cup fixtures:

Mexico vs South Africa – 18 June, 17:00 local time (ITV1, 6.15pm UK time)

South Korea vs Czech Republic – 19 June, 02:00 local time (ITV1, 2.30am UK time on 12 June)

As the World Cup kicks into gear, fans around the globe are set for a month of footballing drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.