The World Cup lands on diaspora doorsteps: it opens Thursday with South Africa, and Ghana, Haiti and Curacao carry the flag

The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday, 11 June, across the United States, Canada and Mexico — and for once the tournament is on the diaspora’s home turf. The opener is loaded with meaning: Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser. The final is set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

Africa sent a record nine: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. From CONCACAF, the Caribbean flies its colours through Haiti and Curacao alongside Panama. Nigeria and Cameroon, painfully, did not make it — DR Congo edged Nigeria on penalties for the last continental playoff route.

What this means for you: Because the tournament is hosted in North America, this is the most accessible World Cup the Caribbean–African diaspora has ever had — matches are a drivable or short flight away for many, and watch parties will anchor community life from Brooklyn to Brixton for six weeks. Two to circle now: South Africa’s opener Thursday, and Ghana’s group stage. Bragging rights start at kickoff.