World Cup fever has hit New York City as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico on Thursday.

The opening ceremony featured global superstars, including Shakira, J Balvin and Tyla. The first match was played between Mexico and South Africa.

“Very excited, out there to support my hometown, where my family is from, my parents are from,” said Abe Ramirez, who is a fan of Mexico’s soccer team.

Ramirez, who’s from Sheepshead Bay, added that soccer is his favorite sport. This year’s World Cup is historic because three different countries are hosting it: Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Some matches will be held at nearby MetLife Stadium.

“New York is known for their sports, they’re known for football, they’re known for basketball, especially now since the Knicks are in the finals, but the World Cup it’s a very beautiful thing, it brings people together, brings nations together,” said Ramirez.

He believes Mexico is going to ride a wave of hometown momentum. The other soccer fans gathered at Tacos El Bronco on 4th Avenue and 44th Street in Sunset Park also agreed.

“I think I’m ready to lose my voice, it’s gonna get crazy,” said Selene Amigon. “I believe in Mexico because I’ve supported them since day one.”

Amigon and her cousin, Rosy Sosa, grew up playing soccer together. The two women came to New York City from Pennsylvania to root on Mexico’s team with other fans because, they said, they believe the energy in the city is unmatched.

“We said we gotta go, even though we traveled two and a half hours. There’s something about the feeling of being with your fellow fans that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Sosa.

Fans in the city said they have pride in their home country’s soccer team playing on a global stage as they get into the spirit of the World Cup.

“I’m gonna celebrate with my family, gathering together; I think it’s like a cultural thing also to get together, especially on this day,” said Odalys Perez, another fan NY1 caught up with.

Mexico is opening the tournament and New York is closing it. The final match will be on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.