The biggest FIFA World Cup in history begins in one of football’s most iconic stadiums. On June 11, 2026, co-host Mexico face South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Here is everything you need to know about the World Cup opening match, including kickoff time, the opening ceremony, TV coverage and the history behind this extraordinary venue.
The Pre-Match Show — 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Starts at 7:30 PM CEST
Before the first ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is kicked, the Azteca Stadium will become the biggest stage in North American football. The official World Cup opening ceremony begins at 7:30 PM CEST at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico will set the tone for the tournament with a show expected to combine football culture, music, history and national identity. It is also the first of three opening ceremonies, with each host nation holding its own event. However, Mexico’s ceremony is expected to attract by far the greatest global attention, as it directly precedes the opening match of the biggest World Cup ever staged.
2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony: Schedule & Highlights
Live from Estadio Azteca before Mexico vs South Africa.
Mexico vs South Africa: More Than Just an Opening Match
This opening fixture carries unique World Cup history. It is a rematch of the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when host nation South Africa opened the tournament with a memorable 1-1 draw. That tournament marked the first FIFA World Cup ever held on African soil. Sixteen years later, the two nations meet again—this time in front of more than 80,000 fans at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
For Mexico, this is far more than the first match of the tournament. As one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, El Tri carries the expectations of an entire nation. Playing at the legendary Azteca Stadium gives Mexico home advantage, but it also brings enormous pressure. Known for its steep stands, passionate supporters and deafening atmosphere, the stadium has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in football history.
Estadio Azteca: A Stadium Making World Cup History Once Again
Few venues in world football can match the legacy of the Estadio Azteca.
Opened in 1966, the stadium in Mexico City will become the first venue in history to host matches at three different FIFA World Cups.
- 1970 FIFA World Cup
- 1986 FIFA World Cup
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
No other stadium has achieved this milestone.
With 19 FIFA World Cup matches already staged before the 2026 tournament, Estadio Azteca is the most frequently used World Cup venue in history—a record that will grow even further during the expanded 48-team tournament.
The stadium’s history extends far beyond football. In 1993, Michael Jackson performed five consecutive sold-out concerts, attracting around 100,000 spectators each night. Whether hosting World Cup finals, legendary football matches or record-breaking concerts, Estadio Azteca has long been a stage built for historic occasions.
The History of Estadio Azteca
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match?
The opening match takes place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time). In Mexico City, the match begins at 1:00 PM local time.
Who is playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match?
Co-host Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams are drawn in Group A, alongside South Korea and the Czech Republic.
Where is the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match being played?
The opening match will be held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It is the first stadium in football history to host opening matches at three different FIFA World Cups, following the tournaments in 1970, 1986, and 2026.
Where can I watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match live?
In Germany, the match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on ZDF, with coverage beginning at 5:15 PM CEST. It will also be available on MagentaTV, while viewers can stream the match free of charge via the ZDF Mediathek and Joyn.
What happens during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony?
The highlight of the ceremony is expected to be the live world premiere of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, “Dai Dai,” performed by Shakira and Burna Boy. Additional performances are scheduled from Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Tyla, Los Ángeles Azules and Lila Downs. The ceremony begins at 7:30 PM CEST.
Have Mexico and South Africa played in a World Cup opening match before?
Yes. The two nations also met in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. That match finished 1-1 and marked the first World Cup ever hosted on African soil. Sixteen years later, they meet again in another historic tournament opener, this time in Mexico City.
