Three Questions Heading into the World Cup’s Opening Weekend

After months of controversy, the 2026 World Cup is finally here!

The tournament is set to kick off tomorrow, offering a loaded slate of games for its opening weekend. The drama leading up to the kickoff has finally subsided as fans lock in for the largest World Cup in history. That has us focusing on the first round of matches and asking questions about how things will play out.

Below, we’re sharing the three biggest questions that we hope this weekend’s action will answer.

Which Christian Pulisic Will Show Up?

Christian Pulisic has been a generational star for the US, giving fans hope for success in a World Cup they are co-hosting. The 27-year-old made his USMNT debut in 2016 and has since made 86 appearances, scoring 33 goals. He’s also had success at the pro level, starring for Chelsea and AC Milan. 

As impressive as Pulisic’s career has been, his play over the last couple of months hasn’t been. He closed out AC Milan’s season with a 20-game goal drought, posting just two assists during that brutal stretch. His play with the national team was also suffering, leading to questions about his form heading into the World Cup.

Pulisic did score and registered an assist against Senegal in a friendly on May 31, but can that success carry into this weekend?

Can Mexico Make Noise at Home?

While the controversies around the US have dominated the headlines, Mexico will also host several matches this weekend. One of those will feature their national team, which is heavily favored by sports betting sites to beat South Africa.

Mexico may not be a national power, but it has advanced to the Round of 16 in every World Cup from 1994 to 2018. While they failed to finish higher than tenth in any of those appearances, the consistency is impressive for the North American country.

Unfortunately, the team faltered at the 2022 World Cup after failing to advance past the group stage. 

As they prepare to open the tournament with their match tomorrow, we are left wondering if Mexico can bounce back in 2026. Will the benefit of playing at home in front of their rowdy fans lead to the team returning to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1986?

Will Fans Show Up?

As excited as we are to see the action this weekend, our biggest question involves the fans. FIFA has consistently stated that the tournament will be sold out, but exorbitant prices and visa issues have led many to doubt those claims. 

We know there will be fewer international fans due to disappointing hotel bookings, but there is also concern that local fans won’t be able to afford to attend. High transportation and retail costs for venues are a serious issue, and may lead many to stay home or head to one of the many World Cup watch parties. 

Will we see packed stadiums this weekend, or will FIFA’s promises once again fall short?