World Cup 2026 kicks off today: everything ahead of the opening match

The 2026 World Cup officially gets underway tonight, Thursday, with the ceremonial opening match between host Mexico and South Africa. In 2010, this was also the match that opened the World Cup in South Africa, ending 1-1 with Tshabalala’s famous goal. Today, of course, Mexico will be the host.

The match will be played at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It is a local milestone, as the stadium becomes the first in the world to host three World Cup opening matches. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Israel time.

Before the players take to the pitch, fans will enjoy a colorful opening ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m. The stage will be led by singer Shakira and Nigerian rapper Burna Boy. The two will perform the tournament’s official song, "Dai Dai," live for the first time.

Mexico enters the match under enormous pressure from a home crowd of about 87,000 passionate fans. For them, it is a golden opportunity to repair the disappointing impression from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage.

South Africa, by contrast, arrives as the clear underdog of the night. Even so, the team’s physicality and tactical discipline will try to quiet the noisy stadium and strike on quick counterattacks.

The Group A football festival will continue immediately afterward at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. At 5:00 a.m. on Friday, South Korea will take on Czechia in an intriguing match, with Czechia returning to the tournament for the first time since 2006.

Tonight’s matches are only the opening shot for the biggest and most expanded tournament in history. This World Cup includes 48 teams for the first time, with 104 matches to be played over 39 days in three host countries, Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The expected lineups for the two teams are: Mexico, Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Joan Vazquez, Jesus Gallardo; Eric Lira, Brian Gutierez, Alvaro Fidalgo; Roberto Alvarado, Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez. South Africa, Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamaane, Aubrey Modiba; Sphephelo Sithole, Thabo Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebogile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane; Lyle Foster.