World Cup 2026: Historic Tournament Begins with Match Between Mexico and South Africa

The highly anticipated 2026 World Cup is on the verge of kicking off, bringing together football fans from across the globe. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, promises a spectacular display of skill from the sport's biggest stars.

The opening ceremony will be followed by the first match of Group A, held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The host nation, Mexico, will face South Africa in a game that serves as a rematch of the 2010 World Cup's opening fixture. That historic encounter, held in South Africa, concluded with a 1-1 draw.

This inaugural match is the first of 104 games scheduled throughout the tournament. The second match of the day will see South Korea take on the Czech Republic at 05:00 AM at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. This game is notable for its late-night/early-morning kickoff time, catering to dedicated football enthusiasts.

The Czech Republic makes its return to the World Cup stage after a 20-year absence, while South Korea represents Asia as a consistent participant. This will be the first time these two nations meet in a World Cup final stage. The schedule lists Mexico vs. South Africa on Thursday (June 11) at 22:00, followed by South Korea vs. Czech Republic on Friday (June 12) at 05:00.