The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday in Mexico City, marking the first match of the largest World Cup tournament in history. The event features a record 48 teams competing in 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico over six weeks. The opening ceremony will take place at Mexico City Stadium, followed by Group A matches between hosts Mexico and South Africa and later South Korea against Czechia.
Opening Ceremony Celebrates Host Nations and Music
The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. local time (5 p.m. GMT) at Mexico City Stadium. It features a showcase of Mexican and Latin American music with performances by Alejandro Fernandez, Mana, Los Angeles Azules, Lila Downs and Belinda. International stars including Colombia’s J Balvin, Venezuela’s Danny Ocean, and Nigeria’s Burna Boy will perform, with Shakira headlining and debuting the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai.” The ceremony aims to highlight the cultural diversity of the three host nations.
Lighting up the night sky in Mexico City for the #FIFAWorldCup ✨#NovaSkyStories pic.twitter.com/K3uW3iw2Y1
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2026
Match Schedule for Day One
The first match at 1 p.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT) will see Mexico face South Africa at Mexico City Stadium. Following that, South Korea plays Czechia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara at 8 p.m. local time (2 a.m. GMT on June 12). Both venues are among the highest-altitude stadiums in the tournament, with Mexico City Stadium at 7,300 feet and Guadalajara at over 5,100 feet above sea level.
In the United States, Fox and FS1 provide English-language broadcasts, while Telemundo and Universo cover Spanish-language audiences. Streaming options include Fox ONE for English and Peacock for Spanish viewers. Matches across the tournament will generally start between noon and midnight Eastern Time, spanning multiple time zones.
Predictions and Key Players for Opening Matches
According to Opta’s supercomputer simulations, Mexico is the clear favorite to win the opening match against South Africa, with a 66.3 percent probability of victory. South Africa’s chance stands at 14.3 percent, and a draw is projected in 19.4 percent of simulations. Mexico is expected to top Group A, which also includes South Korea, Czechia and South Africa.
Mexico’s squad features experienced striker Raul Jimenez and promising 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could make history by appearing in his sixth World Cup, a record-setting achievement. South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 and is making its fourth overall appearance.
In the later Group A match, South Korea is a slight favorite over Czechia, with a 42.9 percent chance of winning compared to Czechia’s 31.1 percent. The likelihood of a draw is 26 percent. South Korea has a 70 percent chance of advancing to the knockout round and a 21.3 percent chance of topping the group. Czechia’s chances of advancing stand at 64.3 percent, with a 17.9 percent probability of finishing first.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage and Tournament Format
The 48 teams are divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 32. The knockout phase begins June 28. The expanded tournament format allows for more global participation, and the matches will be played in 16 stadiums across the three host countries.
- United States host cities include Inglewood, Santa Clara, East Rutherford, Foxborough, Houston, Arlington, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Kansas City
- Canada hosts games in Toronto and Vancouver
- Mexico’s matches take place in Mexico City, Zapopan, and Guadalupe
Group A consists of Mexico, South Africa, Czechia and South Korea. Other notable groups include Group D with the United States, Australia, Paraguay and Turkey; Group C with Haiti, Morocco, Scotland and Brazil; and Group L featuring England, Ghana, Croatia, and Panama.
Top Teams and Title Contenders
Pre-tournament predictions place Brazil as the top favorite, followed closely by France, Mexico and England. Argentina, the defending champions, remain a strong contender with their experienced squad and winning mentality. Among other contenders are Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
🚨 Probability of winning the World Cup
🇲🇦 Morocco ~ 1%
🇪🇸 Spain ~ 7.5%
🇺🇸 USA ~ 2%
🇵🇹 Portugal ~ 6%
🇳🇱 Netherlands ~ 5%
🇬🇧 England ~ 11%
🇲🇽 Mexico ~ 13%
🇫🇷 France ~ 16%
🇧🇷 Brazil ~ 18%
🇦🇷 Argentina ~ 2…. see thread pic.twitter.com/fZYeDenA9o— M☠️ (@thehouseoffootb) June 10, 2026
Argentina are still the team to beat heading into the World Cup.
They've got experience, winning mentality, world-class talent, and most importantly, they know how to handle pressure on the biggest stage. While other nations are rebuilding, Argentina already have a squad full of… pic.twitter.com/cD0iWpqEXD
— M☠️ (@thehouseoffootb) June 10, 2026
Additional Storylines and Challenges
Beyond the matches, the 2026 World Cup faces challenges such as immigration controversies and logistical complexities inherent in a multi-nation tournament. The high altitudes of the Mexican venues may also impact players’ performances, especially those unaccustomed to such conditions.
The tournament represents a landmark moment for football in North America, aiming to showcase the sport’s growing popularity and the region’s diverse cultures. Millions of fans worldwide are expected to tune in as the competition unfolds.
