FANS joked they are “already packing the bags” for the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.
The bumper tournament will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico in two years’ time.
With a record 48 teams, a whopping 16 venues across 16 cities are needed for the next World Cup.
And things will kick off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico on June 11.
The stadium, opened in 1966, boasts an enormous rich history in football – particularly in the World Cup.
Mexico hosted both the 1970 and 1986 editions.
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They were won by Brazil and Argentina respectively, with two of football’s GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona on the winning teams.
It was also the sight of Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.
An eye-watering 132,247 spectators flocked into the Azteca to watch local hero Julio Cesar Chavez box against Greg Haugen in 1993 – the record attendance.
These days, the ground hosts Club America and Mexico national team matches and holds 87,523, making it one of the biggest football stadiums in the world.
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And plenty of fans reacted to the news about the 2026 World Cup curtain raiser with unbridled excitement – 858 days before the opening match.
One said: “Packing my bags. this a once in a lifetime opportunity right here.”
Another wrote: “I pray to be there.”
A third added: “Ayee, can’t wait to rock the World Cup vibes! Isn’t it cray-cray how we’re all already planning our sick leave for it?”
And a final user commented: “Fantastic stadium – brilliant choice to be fair.”
Fifa also announced the 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York – with the third-place play-off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Bizarrely, Kim Kardashian was the one given the honour of confirming the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will host the USA’s first group game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
