2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off Today as Mexico Face South Africa in Opening Match
Published : 12:14, 11 June 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin today with a spectacular opening ceremony followed by the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa. The Group A clash will take place at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Ahead of the match, fans will be treated to a star-studded opening ceremony. Colombian pop sensation Shakira will headline the event, performing the tournament’s official theme song “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. Popular artists J Balvin and the Mexican pop-rock band Maná are also scheduled to perform.
The opening fixture carries a sense of nostalgia, as Mexico and South Africa also met in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. That encounter ended in a 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, the two nations meet again on football’s biggest stage, this time at Mexico’s home venue, the historic Azteca Stadium.
Mexico enter the tournament with a strong defensive unit led by veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is making a record sixth World Cup appearance. The team has kept clean sheets in six of its last eight matches, highlighting its defensive stability.
South Africa, meanwhile, are known for their pace and effectiveness on the counterattack. The African side has scored in each of its last nine World Cup matches, making them a dangerous opponent despite playing away from home.
The World Cup celebrations will continue beyond Mexico. A second opening event is scheduled for the following day at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, featuring performances by Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara.
The final part of the opening trilogy will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday morning. The Hollywood-style spectacle will feature global stars including Katy Perry, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Future, and Anitta.
