The opening match of the 2026 World Cup is set for June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kickoff is scheduled around 19:00 local time, making it a prime-time global event. Mexico will have a huge home advantage, playing in one of the most iconic stadiums in football history. South Africa comes in as an underdog but has experience in opening matches, including the 2010 World Cup. This game is expected to be intense, with both teams trying to start strong. Mexico’s attacking depth gives them an edge, especially with crowd support behind them. Still, opening matches can be unpredictable, so a draw isn’t out of the question.
Tags of this article / FIFA-2026