Skip linksSkip to Content Live Navigation menuNewsAfricaAsiaUS & CanadaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle EastExplainedOpinionWorld CupVideoFeaturesEconomySportHuman RightsClimate CrisisInvestigationsInteractivesIn PicturesScience & TechnologyPodcastsTravel Live Navigation menuWorld Cup 2026Live updatesFixtures by time zoneTop five ‘must-watch’ matchesExplore all 16 stadiumsPredictions, stories to followLive Match, By Kevin Hand and Adam HancockPublished On 11 Jun 2026

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off with cohosts Mexico entertaining South Africa.

The tournament opener at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, kicks off at 1pm (19:00 GMT).