48-team World Cup kicks off: Spain and Iran make history in opening matches

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, kicked off on 11 June across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the opening matchday on Monday, 15 June, delivering four fixtures from 18:00 local time. The expanded format, the largest in tournament history, has already drawn global audiences as the competition enters its second full day of action.

Spain and Belgium launched the second round of matches in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 June, following Monday’s opening fixtures. The Spanish side, among pre-tournament favourites, began their campaign against Cape Verde in a Group B encounter broadcast live across Europe and North America. Iranian fans, meanwhile, watched their national team make its long-awaited World Cup debut in a Group C clash against a seeded opponent, a fixture widely anticipated after months of intense media scrutiny. Uruguay also took to the field on Monday, adding further star power to a day rich in narrative potential.

Coverage of the expanded schedule is extensive. Broadcasters in Germany, Italy and the United States have dedicated extended programming blocks, with live analysis and multi-angle feeds available on major sports networks. In Germany, public broadcaster ARD and commercial channel RTL have scheduled rolling coverage from 18:00 CET, while in the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo are airing simultaneous English- and Spanish-language broadcasts. Canadian viewers can follow the action on TSN and RDS, with French-language commentary available in Quebec.

The tournament’s 104 matches will unfold across 16 venues in 16 cities, from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Kick-off times vary by region, with early evening starts in North America and late-night fixtures in Europe and Asia to accommodate global audiences. The group stage concludes on 29 June, after which the knockout rounds will begin on 2 July.

With 48 nations competing for the first time, the expanded format has intensified competition and broadened the tournament’s geographic footprint. Analysts note that debutant teams such as Cape Verde and the Islamic Republic of Iran bring fresh narratives to a competition traditionally dominated by established footballing powers. The expanded format also increases the number of direct berths for confederations, with Europe gaining three additional spots and Africa two, reflecting FIFA’s push for greater inclusivity.

As the World Cup enters its second full day, the focus shifts from spectacle to competition, with early results already shaping group dynamics and fan expectations. The tournament’s organisers have reported record ticket sales and broadcast deals, underscoring football’s enduring global appeal.