The 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday, inaugurating the 104-game event hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This tournament marks a significant collaboration among these three nations in the world of soccer.
NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk will report live from Mexico City. Mexico will commence its World Cup campaign with a group stage match against South Africa at 3 p.m. ET. This encounter promises to be an exciting affair as both teams aim to perform strongly at the onset.
A historical reference reveals Lucas Thwala of South Africa and Paul Aguilar of Mexico participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, captured in a memorable photograph by Clive Mason from Getty Images.
The World Cup is not just a tournament, it’s an event that unites nations and cultures under the common love for the sport.
Prior to the game, Stephanie Gosk will host a live Q&A session for subscribers. It will begin at noon ET, allowing fans to engage with tournament insights and ask questions. This interaction is available live, with an option for subscribers to access it on demand afterward.
Participants are encouraged to submit their questions for Gosk, who might address them live during Thursday’s session at noon ET.