The wait is finally over. On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins, marking the start of the most ambitious tournament in football history. All eyes turn to Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico prepare to face South Africa in the tournament’s high-profile opening match at the legendary Estadio Azteca.

The Opener: Mexico vs. South Africa

This Group A clash is set to be a historic occasion, held at a venue that defines football royalty.

• Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.

• Significance: Estadio Azteca cements its legacy as a true "cathedral of football," becoming the only stadium in history to host three FIFA World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and now 2026).

• Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM local time (CST / UTC-6).

  • 3:00 PM ET

  • 8:00 PM BST

  • 12:30 AM IST (June 12)

The Opening Ceremony Experience

FIFA has reimagined the tournament launch with an immersive, 360-degree concept. Before the match, the Opening Ceremony (starting at 11:30 AM local time) will be a global spectacle.

• Star-Studded Lineup: Performances are headlined by Shakira and Nigerian songwriter Burna Boy, who will perform the official tournament song, "Dai Dai." Other stars, including Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla, are also slated to perform.

• A Celebration of Unity: The ceremony will celebrate the unique cultural identities of the three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the USA—setting the stage for a tournament that spans 39 days and a record-breaking 104 matches.

Tournament Snapshot

• Format: This edition marks the expansion to 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockout stages.

• Group A Context: Alongside Mexico and South Africa, Group A features South Korea and the Czech Republic, making for a competitive start to the tournament.

• Atmosphere: Mexico enters the tournament with immense pressure and excitement. With the backing of a passionate home crowd at the Azteca, "El Tri" will look to set a dominant tone for the opening day.

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• #MexicoVsSouthAfrica

• EstadioAzteca