So the long wait is finally over - the World Cup has arrived across North America with Mexico City's Estadio Azteca playing host to the first of three opening ceremonies.
With Mexico, Canada and the United States all hosting this year's tournament, all three countries will unveil their own opening ceremonies - with Canada's set to go ahead in Toronto on Friday and the USA's in Los Angeles.
There has been plenty to talk about before a ball has even been kicked including visa troubles for Somali referee Omar Artan, claims the Iranian football team are 'spying' and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino 's controversial rebuttal.
Even the opening ceremony itself is at threat of being abandoned amid a mass protest planned in Mexico City.
But when the football gets underway, all the outside noise will likely dissipate as everyone gets into World Cup fever.
Representing the United Kingdom across the Atlantic are England and Scotland, both of whom are fully prepared for the upcoming tournament.
Scotland play first when they face Haiti at 2:00am BST in the early hours of Sunday morning, so set your alarm clocks Scots!
England, meanwhile, start their World Cup campaign on Wednesday when they take on Croatia at 9:00pm BST in a crunch opener.
World Cup woes
Security is set to be beefed up during the World Cup | GETTYWhile excitement for the World Cup continues to build, there are still several problems hanging over the tournament.
Fans have raised concerns over expensive travel and accommodation costs, especially with matches spread across three countries.
Visa delays and entry requirements have also caused frustration for some supporters hoping to travel to the United States for games.
On the pitch, the new 48-team format has divided opinion, with worries about player fatigue after another long club season.
Extreme summer heat in parts of North America remains another talking point, while FIFA continues to face criticism over scheduling, commercial demands, and the ever-expanding football calendar.
Ones to watch
Argentina's Nico Paz could be set for a breakout tournament
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One of the best things about every World Cup is discovering a new favourite player, and this summer should be no different.
Mexico's teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora will be hoping to make a splash in front of home fans, while Argentina's Nico Paz has the vision and flair to turn heads.
France's Warren Zaire-Emery already looks like a seasoned pro despite his age, and Turkey's Arda Guler is never short of a moment of magic.
Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande is another exciting talent worth keeping an eye on. If you're looking for the next breakout star, these are a few names to remember.
Group stage in full
The World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four | GETTYMexico vs South Africa kick-off
The World Cup is finally here with Mexico City playing host to the first of three opening ceremonies
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The final preparations are being made ahead of the World Cup, with Mexico vs South Africa set to kick off at 8:00pm BST.
Hosts Mexico will look to seize the moment under coach Javier Aguirre, relying on captain Edson Alvarez, striker Raul Jiménez, and rising teenage sensation Gilberto Mora to break down a disciplined South African side.
Bafana Bafana arrive with confidence and strong team chemistry, led by midfielder Teboho Mokoena, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Burnley forward Lyle Foster.
With memories of their 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup opener, expect an intense, emotional contest where fine margins could decide the result.
Shakira headlines opening ceremony
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins tonight in Mexico City with a spectacular opening ceremony at the iconic Estadio Azteca before Mexico's clash with South Africa.
The event will celebrate Mexican culture, music, and football history while welcoming fans to the first World Cup hosted by three nations.
Global stars Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform the tournament's official song, alongside J Balvin, Tyla, Mana, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, and Alejandro Fernández.
Actress Salma Hayek will also take part as a World Cup ambassador, while Fernandez and Tyla are expected to perform the national anthems of Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony promises a vibrant blend of music, culture, and football to launch the biggest World Cup in history.
Upbeat Tommy Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was very optimistic after England's 3-0 win over Costa Rica
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Thomas Tuchel struck an upbeat tone after England's 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, insisting his side are ready for the World Cup.
"Until now, it was more a feeling of a pre-season, like an overseas pre-season, and it was good like this," the England head coach said last night.
"I think it's enough if the pressure and tournament pressure comes a bit later, because it will come. The tension will come naturally.
"I think we set the tone today in the meeting and the players were ready to follow, to have the next step in intensity and the way we play, to push ourselves and get a good feeling out of it, which we absolutely did.
"I felt today the energy in the stadium was amazing and I thought 'OK, if we can really play like this and grow into the tournament and have this kind of cohesion and brotherhood and team spirit that we showed today, then we will have an amazing connection with the fans'."