Canada opens World Cup hosting as lightning disrupts Toronto fan event (opens in new tab)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday in Mexico City, where co-host Mexico beat South Africa 2-0, launching the tournament’s first 48-team edition across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Canada’s first match as a men’s World Cup host is scheduled for Friday at BMO Field in Toronto, where Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. local time. Canadian celebrations began in several cities before Canada’s opener. Vancouver created a pedestrian-only zone along the Granville Strip and dr...