Jamilu Tukur Observer

THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP HAS ARRIVED — AND IT'S ALREADY FULL OF STORIES By Jamilu Tukur Observer  The Biggest World Cup in History The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off today, June 11, and history was made before a single ball was kicked. This is the 23rd FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted across 16 cities — eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup) For the first time ever, 48 nations are competing, making this the largest World Cup in the history of the sport. The Opening Ceremony — Africa on the World Stage Before the first match, Mexico City hosted a spectacular opening ceremony. Shakira and Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with other artists including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and South African singer Tyla also taking the stage. [CBS News](h...