The 2026 World Cup will be the kickoff for a new standard to be adopted in the competition that takes place every four years. This is what FIFA, the highest governing body for the most popular sport on the planet, promises. In addition to being considered the most inclusive World Cup in history, with the participation of 48 national teams, there are other curiosities surrounding the current edition. Related news: In the midst of the war with the USA, Iran arrives for the World Cup. Brazil beats Egypt in last match before the World Cup. For example, the opening game will repeat the confrontation between Mexico and South Africa, the same one that started the 2010 World Cup. It is the first time that this has happened since the competition started to have a format with an opening match, instead of several simultaneous games. Another curiosity is that the Azteca Stadium will be the first in history to host three opening World Cups (1970, 1986 and 2026). The edition also marks another milestone: it will be played simultaneously in three countries: Mexico, the United States and Canada, expanding the territorial dimension of the tournament and the direct participation of fans in different regions. Opening ceremony FIFA organized an unprecedented countdown event with simultaneous shows in three cities: Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles.  The so-called Countdown Concerts were conceived as an integrated experience between the three countries, with musical performances in synchronized time and cross-broadcasts, bringing together local and international artists the day before the start of the tournament. The official opening will follow this expanded logic. For the first time, there will be three opening ceremonies, one in each host country, connected by a common concept that unites football, music and cultural identity. In Mexico, which will host the inaugural game, the presentation will highlight traditional elements, with music, dance and references to local culture, including artistic manifestations such as Papel Picado, the country's festive symbol, as well as the participation of indigenous talents and expressions of contemporary folklore. Artists Among the artists confirmed by FIFA for the ceremony at the Azteca Stadium are Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla. In the United States, the ceremony in Los Angeles will feature performances by artists such as Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla, according to FIFA.  In Canada, the featured artists are Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince. Round of 32 With a greater number of participating teams (48 instead of 32), the 2026 World Cup becomes the most inclusive of all World Cups. There will be 104 matches, the largest number in history, divided into 12 groups with four teams each. The first two in each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stages, forming a knockout phase with 32 teams. Even the name of this second stage is new. Instead of octaves, it will be called “Round of 32”. Therefore, to be champion, the winning team will have to play eight games – one more than in the previous format.