World Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Riyadh: The Global Tour Starts Here

Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the opening stop on a global journey that will span the coming months.

The tournament will kick off in North America on June 11, 2026, with matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and it will run until the final on July 19.

Five months before kickoff, the World Cup 2026 tour began in Riyadh, projecting 75 stops in 30 countries across continents before reaching its final destination.

First Stop Details

Al Ekhbariya posted a video on X showing the trophy arriving in Riyadh, with Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero carrying it down the plane.

Riyadh will host the initial events at Roashon’s frontage near the shopping area, specifically Gate 2 the Fountain, in a public event blending football, entertainment and culture in a festive atmosphere.

The event goes beyond a trophy display, offering a rich program of interactive experiences designed for fans of all ages.

The tour gives football fans worldwide a close look at the original World Cup, along with accompanying activities and the chance to meet stars, legends and influencers who will be in attendance.

Saudi Arabia’s national team participates in World Cup 2026 in Group Eight, alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

Punchline 1: If this trophy gets any more frequent flyer miles, NASA will start requesting it as a guest speaker.

Punchline 2: The only thing heavier than the trophy might be the calendar its on—the World Cup tour has enough stops to qualify for its own frequent flyer program.