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🛒 تسوق الآن2026 World Cup Kicks Off Today: Full Schedule, Results, and How to Watch
2026 World Cup Kicks Off Today: Full Schedule, Results, and How to Watch
The World Cup Begins in Mexico City
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as Mexico faces South Africa at a sold-out Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This marks the start of the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams competing across 104 matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For football fans across Libya and the Arab world, the wait is finally over.
The tournament represents a massive expansion from the previous 32-team format. FIFA has added 16 additional teams, created 12 groups instead of eight, and introduced a new round of 32 knockout stage. The change means more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for underdog nations to make history.
Key Facts: Everything You Need to Know
- 48 teams from six confederations — the largest World Cup field ever
- 104 matches across 16 host cities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico
- Opening match: Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11
- USA opener: United States vs. Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- New format: Top two from each of 12 groups plus 8 best third-place teams advance to round of 32
- Final: Scheduled for July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Teams to Watch: Messi, Mbappé, and the USMNT
Reigning champions Argentina enter the tournament in strong form, having recorded shutout wins against Honduras and Iceland in warm-up friendlies. Lionel Messi, who raised health concerns earlier this month, came off the bench against Iceland and immediately converted a penalty — a reassuring sign for Argentina's title defense.
The United States faces questions around defender Chris Richards, who suffered an ankle injury in May but declared himself ready for Friday's opener against Paraguay. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, and traditional powerhouses Brazil, Germany, and England are among the top contenders for the trophy.
How to Watch in Libya: beIN Sports Has Every Match
For Libyan fans, beIN Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup across the Middle East and North Africa region. The network will broadcast all 104 matches across its dedicated sports channels. Libyan viewers can access beIN Sports through satellite providers, with subscription packages available through local distributors.
FIFA has confirmed that free-to-air broadcasts will be the primary option in over 200 territories worldwide. Fans in Libya are advised to check with their local satellite provider for channel listings and match schedules adjusted to Libya time (GMT+2).
Why This World Cup Matters for Libya and Africa
This tournament is historic for African football. The expanded 48-team format means nine African nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup — up from five in previous editions. According to football analyst Michael Cox, "Africa will be the real winner" of the expanded format, with more nations getting the chance to compete on the global stage.
Libya's own national team fought hard in the African qualifiers, securing a valuable 2-0 victory over Eswatini at Benghazi International Stadium and a stunning win against Angola that lifted them to third place in Group D. While Libya did not qualify for the final tournament, the team's performances have built momentum and hope for future campaigns. Libyan fans will watch closely as Africa's nine representatives take the world stage.
A Tournament of Firsts
The 2026 World Cup promises to be unlike any before it. FIFA has introduced a new pre-match ceremony where all squad players — including substitutes — line up around the center circle for the national anthems. The opening ceremony at one of football's most iconic venues is expected to draw hundreds of millions of global viewers.
With 104 matches spread over five weeks, there will be no shortage of drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. For fans in Libya, the tournament offers a chance to witness history — the biggest, most inclusive World Cup ever staged.
— LibyaPress / Sports Desk
