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It’s finally here! The World Cup gets underway today with Mexico hosting South Africa in the opening game. Supporters from 48 nations will descend on North America across the next few weeks, while billions will tune in from home. The World Cup is the biggest tournament in football and the trophy that players are most determined to win.

Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the famous trophy in 2022 after he inspired Argentina to glory in Qatar. Will Cristiano Ronaldo be able to match his famous rival’s achievement in his last ever World Cup with Portugal? With staff in over 30 countries across different candidates, Transfermarkt is truly the best place to keep updated with all the latest news and statistics. And we’ve launched a live blog so you can follow all the major stories in one place. All times stated are in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

22:00

Three red cards! Cesar Montes joins Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane for an early bath. This is bringing back Nuremberg Portugal vs Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup – the only match in the competition to ever have more red cards.

21:35

Seventeen year old Gilberto Mora – the youngest player the 2026 World Cup – joins the list of the top 10 youngest players to ever play at the World Cup after being substituted on for Mexico. Read more here.

21:10

No team has played more games at the World Cup without lifting the trophy than Mexico. Tonight is their 60th against South Africa. Can Mexico cause a shock on home soil?

20:10

Julián Quiñones becomes the first goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup for Mexico. He scored 33 goals in 31 Saudi Pro League games last season. Check out his player profile below.

19:30

Mexico substitute Gilberto Mora is the youngest player at the entire World Cup this summer, and should he come on from the bench against South Africa tonight he will become the second youngest player in World Cup history – only behind the great Pelé – read more here.

19:00

The XIs are out for the World Cup opener – Mexico XI: Rangel, Montes, Vasquez, Reyes, Gallardo, Lira, Fidalgo, Alvarado, Gutierrez, Jimenez, Quinones. South Africa XI: Williams, Modiba, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau, Okon, Mokoena, Sithole, Adams, Foster, Rayners.

18:30

Cristiano Ronaldo could become the first ever player to score at six different World Cups if he scores this summer. Can he lead Portugal to their first ever World Cup triumph? Read more here.

18:00

Transfermarkt have pulled our global expertise to bring you a player to watch for each nation at the 2026 World Cup. See the handpicked stars selected from groups A-F by clicking on the graphic below.

17:30

Who are the most successful nations in World Cup history based on total points taken at World Cups? Little surprise to see Brazil in first place, but Portugal as low as 13th! Read the full article here.

17:00

Mexico are firmly expected to kickstart their campaign on home soil against South Africa. And they have a potential superstar in their ranks in Gilberto Mora and the 17-year-old will become of the top ten youngsters to ever play in the World Cup – if he plays tonight!

16:55

Some incredible talents will be on show in North America and we’ve provided a list of the best 20 wonderkids!

16:50

Transfermarkt’s market values are known all around the world and by using them, we’ve predicted who will win the World Cup this summer! Check out the article below!

16:45

Cristiano Ronaldo will become the only player in history to score at six different World Cups if he finds the back of net this summer. But the Portugal star didn’t enjoy the best display during their final warm-up game against Nigeria on Wednesday. Should the iconic attacker still start for Roberto Martinez’s men?

16:30

Welcome to Transfermarkt’s live blog for the World Cup! We will provide all the latest updates, informative news articles, graphics, opinion and much more! There’s no better place to be…