The largest FIFA World Cup in history has officially arrived in North America. For the first time, three nations are co-hosting the tournament, which now features an expanded field of 48 national teams competing across 16 stadiums in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The festivities commence Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Shakira and Burna Boy will headline the opening ceremony before Mexico faces South Africa. Toronto follows on Friday with performances by Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé ahead of Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. Men's National Team opens its campaign Friday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles against Paraguay, featuring a halftime show with Katy Perry and Future.
Security remains a top priority for this unprecedented event. The FBI has mobilized tactical teams across all host cities to protect players and spectators. While Immigration and Customs Enforcement is focusing on national security rather than immigration enforcement, vetting protocols have already impacted officials, including the denial of entry to a Somali referee. Additionally, FIFA adjusted stadium policies to allow sealed water bottles following safety concerns regarding extreme summer heat.
Financial stakes are equally high. Despite criticism over premium ticket pricing, American sportsbooks project $3.1 billion in wagers, a significant increase from 2022. Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are expected to handle another $2.4 billion. On the pitch, economists favor the Netherlands as a potential champion due to defensive consistency, while the U.S. team aims to advance through a competitive Group D matchup.