Can the worst World Cup ever find a way to redeem itself?

Key Points:

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in a tense, fast-paced match marked by three red cards, highlighting high tensions.
• The tournament faces criticism for its high costs, consumerism, corruption, and political controversies, including discriminatory practices affecting teams and officials from majority-Muslim countries.
• Despite these issues, the World Cup remains the largest global sporting event, attracting vast viewership and passionate fans who hope for moments of athletic brilliance and spectacle amid the broader challenges.
• The U.S. men's national team, coached by Mauricio Pochettino and featuring star Christian Pulisic, is seen as talented but inconsistent, with realistic expectations to reach the knockout stages rather than contend for the title.
• Key first-round matches to watch include Canada vs. Bosnia, Brazil vs. Morocco, France vs. Senegal, and England vs. Croatia, with top teams from Europe and South America favored to ultimately win the tournament.