Expected numbers at the opening… Ochoa will pass Ronaldo and Messi to achieve the historic achievement.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off tonight, Thursday, with the highly-anticipated clash between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City’s famed Azteca Stadium, marking the start of the biggest draw in the tournament’s history, with the USA, Canada and Mexico hosting for the first time with 48 teams.

More than 80,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening match at one of the stadiums most associated with World Cup history, as the Azteca Stadium witnessed two of the largest crowds in the tournament’s history in 1986, when attendances exceeded 114,000 for matches against Germany and West Mexico.

The importance of the opening match will not only be limited to the start of the tournament but it could also witness the creation of several new records at the level of players and coaches.