Two Days to Go: Mundial 2026 Is Almost Here
This Thursday, June 11, 2026, the largest FIFA World Cup in history will kick off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. 48 national teams from around the world will compete for the trophy across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — the first time the tournament has been hosted by three countries simultaneously. A record 104 matches will be played across 16 venues over 39 days. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Teacher Protests in Mexico City: A Threat to the Opening Match
On the eve of the tournament, Mexico's capital has been gripped by mass teacher strikes. On Tuesday, June 9, thousands of strikers blocked the main roads leading to the Azteca Stadium, where the opening match between Mexico and South Africa is set to take place on Thursday. The protests were organized by a breakaway faction of the CNTE teachers' union, which is demanding higher wages and the repeal of a pension reform law.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the actions a "provocation," stating they were designed to portray widespread social unrest in the country. Authorities deployed thousands of police officers and erected concrete barriers around the venue. Tournament organizers assured that the security perimeter around the stadium remains intact and that preparations for the opening match are proceeding as planned. Teachers also set up a camp near the fan zone at Zócalo Square in the city center.
Opening Ceremony: Three Countries, One Celebration
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will hold three separate opening ceremonies — one in each host country. The main ceremony will begin in Mexico City on June 11 at 20:30 Kyiv time (90 minutes before kick-off). Among the invited performers are Shakira, J Balvin, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, and South African singer Tyla. The following day, June 12, ceremonies will be held in Toronto (Canada) and Los Angeles (USA).
Format and Key Group Stage Matches
All 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four (Groups A through L). The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Among the most anticipated first-round matches:
- Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11, Mexico City) — a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener
- Group A: Republic of Korea vs. Czech Republic (June 11, Guadalajara)
- Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (June 12, Toronto)
- Group D: USA vs. Paraguay (June 13, Los Angeles)
- Group I: France vs. Senegal (June 16)
- Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria (June 17)
Favorites and the Defending Champion
The reigning world champions are Argentina, who defeated France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Among the favorites for this tournament are Spain (the highest-ranked team in the competition), Argentina, France, and England. Under FIFA regulations, these four teams have been placed in separate bracket paths so they cannot meet before the semifinals.
New Rules for Fans
FIFA has updated its fan code of conduct: vuvuzelas, whistles, horns, and other excessively loud noise-making devices are banned from all 16 World Cup 2026 stadiums. Violators may be removed from the venue. The new rules were reported by Reuters.
Broadcasts in Ukraine
The official broadcaster of the 2026 World Cup in Ukraine is the MEGOGO media service, which will show all 104 matches of the tournament. Streams are available with the "Sport" and "MEGOPACK" subscriptions, as well as on the free MEGOGO SPORT channel.
