New Zealand is playing host to some of tomorrow's greatest sports stars with the start of the under-17 world soccer championships Wednesday.

The tournament, which features 16 nations from six continents, kicked off Wednesday evening at North Harbor Stadium in New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland, with the opening ceremony and match between New Zealand and the United States.

The 16 teams have been divided into four groups and the top two of each group will progress to the quarterfinals.

The New Zealand team will also face Poland and Uruguay in its Auckland-based pool matches.

Napier, a city on New Zealand's North Island, is a temporary home for European champions Spain, African champions Ghana, Mexico and Thailand during their pool clashes.

While, soccer powerhouse Brazil is sure to entertain the crowds in Christchurch, the biggest city on New Zealand's South Island, along with Australia, Germany and Mali in their group games.

And Dunedin, the southernmost city of New Zealand, is hosting Paraguay, Qatar, Jamaica and Burkina Faso.

All the action will return to Auckland's North Harbor Stadium on November 27 for the final and third-place playoff.

The last tournament was held in Egypt two years ago.