The wait is over. The biggest sporting event on the planet returns tonight, and before the first whistle blows, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already made history. From never-before-seen records to storylines straight out of a movie script, here are five reasons why this World Cup could be unlike any other.
1. Three Countries. One World Cup. Never Happened Before.
A man poses for a picture next to a replica of the World Cup trophy in downtown Houston, Texas, on June 10, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (AFP)
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For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three nations are hosting the tournament together. The United States, Mexico and Canada will welcome the world across 16 host cities, making this the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged. Football has never travelled this far for a single tournament.
2. It's the Biggest World Cup Ever — And Anything Can Happen
Forget 32 teams. This year, 48 nations will battle for football's biggest prize, creating more matches, more rivalries, more drama and more opportunities for underdog stories that could capture the world's imagination. Expect surprises from day one.
3. Mexico Just Set a World Cup Record That May Never Be Broken
Mexico becomes the first nation in history to host the FIFA World Cup for a third time, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986. It's a landmark achievement that cements the country's place in football folklore.
4. Tonight's Opening Match Is a Footballing Déjà Vu
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Sixteen years ago, on June 11, 2010, Mexico and South Africa opened the FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg. Tonight, on the exact same date, the two nations meet again to kick off another World Cup. Same teams. Same occasion. A whole new chapter.
5. Messi and Ronaldo Could Be Writing Their Final World Cup Story
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Sixteen years ago, on June 11, 2010, Mexico and South Africa opened the FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg. Tonight, on the exact same date, the two nations meet again to kick off another World Cup. Same teams. Same occasion. A whole new chapter.
5. Messi and Ronaldo Could Be Writing Their Final World Cup Story
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For years, football fans have wondered when the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would finally end. The answer? Not yet. Alongside legends like Luka Modrić and Guillermo Ochoa, the icons of a generation are expected to grace the biggest stage one more time. If this is the final act, you won't want to miss it.
The world is watching. India, it's your turn. Tune in to ZEE5 and experience every goal, every upset, and every unforgettable moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in your preferred language – English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali.
Aratrick Mondal is a senior sports journalist based in New Delhi. In his eight years as a sports writer, Aratrick has worked at leading media organisations, including The Times of India, Times Now, Zee, India TV and currently works at a senior position at Hindustan Times Digital. He writes on cricket, football, pickleball and tennis, among other sports. He has extensively covered India's evolving cricket landscape, the country's new-found love for private leagues such as Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), Ultimate Kho Kho League (UKK), Rugby Premier League (RPL) and several tennis leagues. He has closely covered emerging sports such as pickleball. His coverage of major franchise events lends an atmospheric flavor to his ground reports. His recent story on how SA20 (the domestic cricket league of South Africa) had opened up its grounds to create a carnival-like fan experience garnered major international attention, including appreciation from major cricketers. Tennis holds a special place in his heart. Aratrick has built a strong niche in analytical tennis stories—ranging from Grand Slam narratives and player profiles to tactical breakdowns and ranking trends. His long-form features often decode grand slams, career highs and lows of tennis greats and the upward trajectory of emerging stars. He also closely follows India's tennis landscape, having covered the Davis Cup, Bengaluru Open and Tata Open, among others. His reporting is backed by strong data capabilities, with hands-on experience using tools like Python, Tableau, and Excel to produce visually rich, insight-led stories. This data-first approach enhances accuracy, transparency, and trust. In leadership roles, he has managed editorial shifts, overseen homepage strategy, optimised SEO workflows, and mentored peers to deliver consistent, high-traffic journalism. He recently won the HT DigiStar award for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26. Aratrick is trusted for his balanced reportage, sound sourcing, and ability to translate complex sporting events into engaging narratives that speak to a wide audience. He believes sports is for everyone, not just for the enthusiasts and has a unique ability to bring people together - just like the sumptuous meals you'll often find him cooking on a weekend evening.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Football/5 things you need to know before the biggest FIFA World Cup in history kicks off
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