World Cup 2026 kicks off: Schedule, predictions, and off-field stories on opening day

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday (June 11), launching the largest football tournament in history with 48 teams and 104 matches across six weeks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the schedule, the opening day features two Group A matches on Mexican soil. The opening ceremony begins at 17:00 GMT (11:00 local time) at Mexico City Stadium, featuring a Mexico- and Latin-themed musical program. Alejandro Fernandez will sing the national anthem, joined by Mana, Los Angeles Azules, Lila Downs, and Belinda. Colombia’s J Balvin and Venezuela’s Danny Ocean will also perform, while Shakira and Burna Boy (Nigeria) will deliver the official song “Dai Dai.”

Immediately after the ceremony, hosts Mexico face South Africa at 19:00 GMT. The later match sees South Korea take on Czech Republic at 02:00 GMT on June 12 (20:00 local time). Mexico’s stadiums are at high altitudes: Mexico City Stadium sits at 2,225 meters, Guadalajara at around 1,566 meters.

Match predictions

Opta’s computer model gives Mexico a 66.3% probability of beating South Africa, with a 19.4% chance of a draw and 14.3% of a loss. Opta also predicts Mexico will top Group A, ahead of South Korea, Czech Republic, and South Africa.

Mexico is led by veteran striker Raul Jimenez and 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa heading to his sixth World Cup – a record. South Africa is making its fourth appearance, and first since 2010.

The South Korea vs. Czech Republic match is expected to be tight. Opta gives South Korea a 42.9% win probability, Czech Republic 31.1%, and a 26% chance of a draw. In Group A, South Korea has a 70% chance of reaching the knockout stage and 21.3% of winning the group; Czech Republic stands at 64.3% and 17.9%.

Off-field stories

Somali referee banned from World Cup: Omar Artan, the first Somali to referee at a World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami airport over “security concerns.” FIFA subsequently removed him from the list. Artan was welcomed as a hero in Mogadishu and vowed to attend the next World Cup.

Record-high ticket prices: The 2026 World Cup is the most expensive ever, thanks to FIFA’s dynamic pricing model that increases costs with demand. Over 500 million ticket requests have been submitted. Prices range from $140 to $8,680 for the final, which has now surged to $10,990 – nearly seven times the $1,550 maximum in the initial bid documents. Fans complain about inflation and travel costs.

New technology: FIFA is introducing an upgraded semi-automated offside technology, smart balls with sensors feeding real-time data to VAR, a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, and expanded VAR powers to review second yellow cards, mistaken player identities, and incorrect corner kicks.

Injuries: Netherlands loses defender Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) to a groin injury. Brazil also loses right-back Wesley (AS Roma) with a left thigh issue, replaced by Ederson (Atalanta) ahead of their Group C match against Morocco.

Water-break controversy: FIFA mandates a three-minute cooling break in each half to protect players from heat, but draws criticism for allowing broadcasters to air commercials during the pause.

Politics: U.S. President Donald Trump may skip the U.S. opening match against Paraguay on June 12, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin are expected to attend. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also declined FIFA’s complimentary tickets, instead gifting them to a young girl who won a barefoot juggling contest dressed in traditional attire.

Protests in Mexico City: Teachers, transport workers, farmers, and families of the missing are demonstrating for wage increases and pension reforms. They have blocked roads leading to the Azteca Stadium and dismantled some World Cup installations.

Political pressure looms over the tournament: The 2026 World Cup unfolds amid tensions over immigration, travel bans, the Gaza and Iran wars, and the relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Trump. Journalist Ashish Malhotra argues that Trump “positions himself at the center” of the tournament to divert attention from crises, and that FIFA has been a “100% political actor” for nearly a century. Still, billions are expected to watch – “the connection that the World Cup brings is captivating,” he notes.