The 2026 World Cup kicks off this Thursday, June 11, with a brief but symbolic opening day: just two matches, both in Group A and part of the first round of the group stage. The main attraction is the opener, Mexico vs. South Africa, which will kick off the tournament at the legendary Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the first stadium in history to host matches in three different World Cups (1970, 1986, and 2026). The co-host will look to get off to a good start in front of its home fans against a South Africa team returning to the tournament for the first time since it hosted it in 2010. The match kicks off a World Cup that is unprecedented in its format, featuring 48 teams in twelve groups.
The day’s action wraps up in the early hours of the morning in Spain with South Korea vs. the Czech Republic, also in Group A: the Asian side enters as one of the teams to beat, while the Czech Republic returns to the World Cup two decades after its last appearance. Since it’s the opening day, there are no standings or calculations to make yet—just the initial momentum of the tournament. In Spain, the opening match will be broadcast on free-to-air TV, while full coverage will be provided by the pay-TV platform.
Today’s World Cup schedule in Spain, Thursday, June 11
- 9:00 p.m. — Mexico vs. South Africa. Round: first matchday of the group stage (Group A). TV: La 1 and RTVE Play (free-to-air) / DAZN. Stadium: Azteca (Mexico City).
- 4:00 a.m. (early Friday morning, the 12th) — South Korea vs. Czech Republic. Round: first matchday of the group stage (Group A). TV: DAZN. Stadium: Akron (Guadalajara).
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