The 2026 World Cup starts this Thursday (11), with kick-off scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time). Mexico and South Africa open the competition at the iconic Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, in the first round of Group A.
The match marks the return of the tournament to North America, now with an expanded format for 48 teams and venues divided between Mexico, the United States and Canada. The Azteca, which hosted the finals in 1970 and 1986, will once again host an opening game 16 years after the clash that started the South African Cup in 2010 – now reversed, with the Mexicans as hosts.
Opening ceremony brings together big names in music
Before the ball rolls, FIFA organizes the first of three opening ceremonies, one in each host country. From 2:30 pm, Azteca hosts shows with Shakira, J Balvin, Maná, Tyla and other artists. Shakira, who is participating in an official World Cup ceremony for the third time, will perform live “Dai Dai”, the official song of the tournament in partnership with Burna Boy.
The track has already accumulated millions of views and aims to help raise funds for education via FIFA. The presence of Latin and African stars reinforces the multicultural character of the 2026 edition.
Complete first day agenda
After Mexico x South Africa, Group A continues with South Korea x Czech Republic (formerly Czechia), at 11pm, at Guadalajara Stadium, also in Mexico.
Where to watch:
- Ceremony and Mexico x South Africa: Globo, SBT, SporTV, N Sports, Ge TV (Globoplay) and CazéTV (YouTube)
- South Korea x Czech Republic: CazéTV (YouTube), with real time on CNN Sports
What to expect from the debut game
Mexico, as co-hosts, enters as favorites given the altitude of Mexico City, which usually challenges opponents. South Africa seeks to repeat the spirit of 2010, when they opened the World Cup at home. The South African coach has highlighted respect for the opponent, while Mexico brings back memories of past World Cups to motivate the team.
The duel takes on symbolic contours as it repeats the inaugural 2010 clash, now with reversed roles. A Mexican victory would give an important boost in the search for advancement in the group, which still includes South Korea and the Czech Republic.
