Who is playing in the 2026 World Cup's opening match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to kick off on June 11, with the final match scheduled for July 19. This edition of the tournament carries a unique distinction as its opening game will mirror the very first match of a previous World Cup.

The inaugural match will pit host nation Mexico against South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium. This pairing echoes the opening game of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, where the two teams drew 1-1. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m. Argentine time and will be broadcast live on DSports and Telefé, with streaming available on Flow, DGO, and Telecentro Play, as well as Disney+ Premium and Paramount+.

Prior to the kickoff, an opening ceremony is planned for 90 minutes earlier, at 2:30 p.m. Reports suggest the ceremony will feature prominent international music artists from Mexico, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla. The event aims to showcase the culture of the Aztec people through intricate "papel picado" art, described as a powerful symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and joy.

The Azteca Stadium will make history by becoming the first venue to host matches in three different World Cups. The tournament's opening match criteria have varied throughout history, from multiple simultaneous openers to featuring the defending champion. Since 2006, the host nation has typically played the opening game.