The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a historic curtain-raiser as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
Kick-off in Mexico City is officially scheduled for 13:00 local time, marking the return of the world’s biggest sporting event to North American soil for the first time since 1994.
For global fans, the high-stakes Group A encounter will air at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT in the United States and 20:00 BST / 21:00 SAST for viewers across Europe and Africa.
The revamped Estadio Azteca will make history as the first venue to host three separate World Cup opening matches, following the iconic editions of 1970 and 1986.
This tournament marks the debut of the expanded 48-team format, with 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
While Mexico anchors the opening day, co-hosts Canada and the USA will begin their respective campaigns on June 12 in Toronto and Los Angeles.
The marathon tournament will span 39 days of non-stop action, eventually reaching its climax with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
With the final qualifying berths recently secured, the countdown is officially on for what FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called the “most inclusive World Cup ever.”
World Cup opener kick-off in every time zone
Mexico (Mexico City) 13:00
USA West (Los Angeles) 12:00
USA East (New York) 15:00
Canada (Toronto) 15:00
Argentina (Buenos Aires) 16:00
United Kingdom (London) 20:00
Spain (Madrid) 21:00
France (Paris) 21:00
UAE (Dubai) 23:00
China (Beijing) 03:00 (June 12)
Japan (Tokyo) 04:00 (June 12)
Australia (Sydney) 05:00 (June 12)
