Alongside ambassadors from the host countries, fans in Palermo eagerly await the start of the World Cup

Early in the morning, dozens of people began gathering at Plaza Seeber, at the intersection of Avenida del Libertador and Sarmiento, in the heart of the Palermo neighborhood, to watch the opening ceremony and the first match of the World Cup live. “The ‘Fan Fest’ event not only brings together hundreds of Argentines eager to watch the tournament’s opening match, but also diplomatic representatives from the three host countries, interactive activities, and a live broadcast of the event’s kickoff.” The event began at 3 p.m. in the iconic plaza. Shortly afterward, Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri toured the space specially set up to mark the first day of the 2026 World Cup. "During the visit, they greeted diplomatic representatives from the host countries, who watched the opening ceremony from one of the sections prepared for the occasion: Peter Lamelas, U.S. Ambassador to Argentina since 2025, accompanied by his wife, Stephanie Lamelas; Camila Aviña, head of the Chancellery and Political Affairs at the Mexican Embassy, representing Ambassador Lilia Eugenia Rossbach Suárez, who has held the post since 2021; and Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s ambassador to Argentina and Paraguay since December 2024.” “It’s incredibly exciting to be here today for the World Cup opening. I just arrived from Canada, and everyone is excited to welcome the world.” “We're ready to put on a fantastic World Cup and to experience it right here in Argentina, alongside the world champions. That's going to be historic for us,” Wheeler told LA NACION. He added: "This spot is perfect because it's in the middle of a park that everyone can enjoy. It has a huge screen, and some neighbors can even watch it from their homes. For us, it’s also ideal because it’s a ten-minute walk from the embassy.” For his part, Aviña described: “I watched the last World Cup on this screen, and the passion Argentines bring to it is unmatched. I’m very happy and excited to be able to be far from home but still experiencing the excitement to the fullest. Soccer is unpredictable. I know that the entire organization, the stadiums, and both Mexico and the other host countries are ready, but you never know what might happen on the field. I hope Mexico wins today.” “Macri, along with his wife María Belén Ludueña and his son Vito, greeted the representatives of the host countries. Onlookers also gathered to take photos with the head of government, along with a group of students from a school who had come to Seeber Square to watch the opening match. "After the greetings, the Canadian ambassador presented official World Cup gifts, including a soccer ball and two scarves; the latter were for Ludueña and Vito. Aviña, on behalf of the Mexican Embassy, presented official soccer balls to the head of government and other diplomatic representatives. After the gift-giving, they toured the grounds together and visited the various areas set up for watching the World Cup. "The ‘Fan Fest’ features a giant screen for watching the matches, the BA Dome, and various recreational activities related to soccer and the culture of the host countries. There were also interactive areas for the public and activities sponsored by brands associated with the event. "At 4:00 p.m., the opening match between Mexico and South Africa began. The match is being played at the Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as the Azteca Stadium, one of soccer’s most iconic venues. “Shortly after 4:10 p.m., dozens of people were still entering through the main entrance to the plaza at Sarmiento and Del Libertador. On the grass, just as many were enjoying the sunny afternoon while watching the opening ceremony and the match on the giant screen."Some attended wearing their national team jerseys. Argentina jerseys predominate, though Mexico jerseys also stand out, as in the case of Tania del Río and Jorge García, a Mexican couple."The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history. For the first time, it features 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament will be held in 16 host cities: the United States will host 78 matches, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13. “The day's events will conclude around 6 p.m., following the conclusion of the opening match.”