Happy Thursday, TSFers. It’s here. The World Cup starts today. We’ve got 27 consecutive days of matches before a day off between the Round of 16 and the Quarterfinals. So strap in. I think I’m finally feeling a bit of excitement or maybe it’s just relief that the matches are here.

Today’s matches:

Mexico vs. South Africa, 3 pm ET on FOXRepublic of Korea vs. Czechia, 10 pm ET on FS1

It’s fitting that the North American World Cup kicks off at Estadio Azteca. As far as iconic international football stadiums go, it’s way up the list along with the Maracana and Wembley. They should have held the final there, too. Or at the Rose Bowl. Not ‘effin New York New Jersey Stadium or MetLife or the Meadowlands or whatever it’s called. Horrible.

Time to plant your World Cup flags. Give us any (or all, or none I guess) of the following in the comments:

WinnerDark horseTop scorerMost disappointing country

Any players / teams you’re looking forward to watching, non-Arsenal-specific. Enjoy the World Cup, y’all!