The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be conspicuously absent as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially commences across North America, today. Nigeria failed to qualify for the competition for a second time in eight years.
The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history, expanding to 48 participating teams and becoming the first tournament hosted across three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The Estadio Azteca itself is poised to achieve a unique milestone as the first venue to host three World Cup opening matches, having previously welcomed the world in 1970 and 1986.
Several nations are making their World Cup debuts, adding fresh excitement to the competition. Countries such as Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaçao and Cape Verde have qualified for the finals for the first time, highlighting the success of FIFA’s efforts to broaden participation.
The African continent will be represented by ten teams including those of Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Cape Verde, Algeria, Ghana, DR Congo, Vote d’Ivoire, Tunisia and Egypt.
Meanwhile, Mexico and South Africa will light up the iconic Estadio Azteca as they contest the opening match of the World Cup later in the day. Interestingly, the opening game will be renewing a rivalry from the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg. That encounter ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with South Africa scoring first before Mexico equalized in the second half.
The highly anticipated clash promises an electric atmosphere with around 80,000 fans expected to pack the stadium. Organizers have transformed the venue and surrounding areas into a vibrant festival of colors, setting the stage for a spectacular start to the competition. This match marks the beginning of a record-breaking 39-day tournament featuring 104 matches—40 more than the 2022 edition in Qatar.
A star-studded opening ceremony will precede the kickoff, headlined by global superstar Shakira. Colombian singer J Balvin and South African artist Tyla are also set to perform, adding cultural flair from the participating nations to the festivities.
Nigeria’s quartet of Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr will play big in the musical aspects of the tournament.
