New Delhi, Dec. 7 -- Hosts Mexico will take on South Africa in a repeat of 2010 opening encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, president Gianni Infantino announced during the unveiling of the complete schedule in Washington, D.C on Saturday. A day before, FIFA announced the World Cup draw.

For the first time in the history of the tournament, 48 teams will be vying for the ultimate silverware. The FIFA World Cup started in 1930 with just 13 teams. It was expanded to 24 teams in 1982 and then to 32 in 1998, thus allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, will start on June 11 with the final to be played on July 19. 16 cities around three countrie...