The World Cup Starts Tomorrow: Mexico vs. South Africa at the Azteca
On June 11, 2026, all eyes will turn to Mexico City: Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the legendary Mexico City Stadium (formerly Estadio Azteca) — the first venue in history to host matches at three different World Cups. Fittingly, this match is a rematch of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Three Opening Ceremonies Simultaneously in Three Countries
For the first time in history, the tournament opens with three ceremonies held simultaneously across three host countries. The ceremony in Mexico City will begin 90 minutes before kickoff — at 11:30 local time. The headline performers will be Shakira and Burna Boy, who will perform the official tournament song "Dai Dai" live for the first time. Other artists include J Balvin, Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Maná, and Los Ángeles Azules. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: "These ceremonies will unite music, culture, and football."
On June 12, the baton passes to Toronto (BMO Field), where Canada hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé headlining. The trio of ceremonies concludes in Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) ahead of the USA vs. Paraguay match, featuring Katy Perry and Future. The final on July 19 in New York is set to feature a Super Bowl-style show with BTS, Madonna, and Shakira.
Tournament Format and Scale
The 2026 World Cup is record-breaking across the board: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 stadiums across 3 countries, 39 days of competition (June 11 – July 19). Teams are divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-placed teams — making 32 participants in the Round of 32.
Injuries and Squad News Ahead of the Start
- Lennart Karr (Germany/Bayern Munich) — officially ruled out of the tournament through injury. His spot in the squad has been taken by 20-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder Ouédraogo.
- Rafael Leão (Portugal/AC Milan) — at risk of missing World Cup matches following an incident during a friendly; FIFA is considering a potential suspension.
- Kylian Mbappé (France) — despite a series of injuries throughout his season at Real Madrid, he enters the 2026 World Cup as captain and the team's all-time top scorer with 56 goals in 96 appearances. However, reports indicate he left one of the squad's training sessions early just days before the tournament begins.
- Wesley (Brazil) — the defender was injured in a friendly against Egypt; his participation in the tournament is in doubt. Éderson has been added to the squad as a replacement.
- Romero/Balerdi (Argentina) — defender Balerdi will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury.
Favorites and Key Groups
The main contenders for the trophy include Spain, Argentina, France, and England. FIFA deliberately placed the top-ranked teams in opposite halves of the bracket so that the top four sides cannot meet before the semifinals. Argentina arrives in North America as the reigning world champions. The question of Lionel Messi's participation remains open: coach Scaloni has been cautious in his comments about the 38-year-old captain's condition.
Group I has already been dubbed the "group of death," featuring France, Norway, Senegal, and Iraq. France's first match is on June 16 against Senegal in New Jersey.
Off-Pitch Context
On the eve of the tournament, several off-pitch developments have emerged. Teachers' union protests are ongoing in Mexico City, raising concerns about potential disruptions. The Iranian national team arrived in Mexico amid a visa dispute with the United States. The DR Congo vs. Chile match has been relocated to France and will be played behind closed doors. FIFA has announced a list of 170 referees for the tournament.
