- The 2026 World Cup officially begins at 3 p.m. ET with Mexico taking the field against South Africa for the tournament's opening match in Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca.
- Following the opening match, South Korea will take on Czechia.
- The matches will headline weeks of group-play matches featuring 48 nations for the first time in the tournament's history.
- Before the matches, an opening ceremony featuring stars like Shakira and Andrea Bocelli will commence at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- By hosting the 2026 edition, Mexico is set to make World Cup history by becoming the first nation to host the tournament three times.
- Fans gathered outside Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup opening match, reminiscent of the 1970 edition, which introduced tournament staples like broadcasting matches in color and allowing substitutions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a record 48 teams, officially commenced at 3 p.m. ET today with Mexico taking the field against South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.12
The opening ceremony, starting at 1:30 p.m. ET, highlighted global superstars like Shakira and J Balvin, who performed the World Cup song 'Dai Dai'. This event marks a historic milestone for Mexico, becoming the first country to host the World Cup three times, having previously held it in 1970 and 1986.56
As excitement builds, the matches will roll out over the coming weeks across the US, Mexico, and Canada, culminating at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The matches today feature South Korea facing Czechia, following the Mexico vs. South Africa game, marking a significant moment in international soccer as the tournament evolves into new territory with greater participation.3
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match at 3 p.m. ET at Estadio Azteca. The tournament features 48 nations and will take place across venues in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.”
Fox News