JUNE 11, 2026

Group A: Mexico VS South Africa – Estadio Azteca Mexico City

Mexico, as host nation, will kick off the largest FIFA World Cup ever on 11 June 2026, launching a tournament that will feature 104 matches played across 16 venues in three countries. Mexico City Stadium has been officially selected to stage the opening game on Thursday, 11 June 2026, making it the first venue in history to host the World Cup’s opening match three times.

A summary of that historic 2026 World Cup kickoff:

• Host nation: Mexico

• Opening match date: Thursday, June 11, 2026

• Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

• Significance: This will make Estadio Azteca the first stadium in history to host the World Cup opening match three times (previously in 1970 and 1986).

• Tournament scale: The 2026 edition will be the largest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring:

  • 104 matches

  • 16 venues

  • Three host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada

This kickoff not only honors Mexico’s rich football history but also sets the stage for the expanded 48-team format debuting in 2026.