2026 World Cup opening match

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first-ever goal in the 9th minute after Sphephelo Sithole lost possession, and Raúl Jiménez headed home a second in the second half, his first World Cup goal. South Africa finished with nine men after three red cards, including Themba Zwane (83rd minute, straight red via VAR for striking Alvarado) and César Montes of Mexico in stoppage time.

Julián Quiñones of Mexico scored the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the 9th minute against South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on June 11, 2026.

The opening match was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11, 2026. Mexico won 2-0 against South Africa.

Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy headlined the Mexico City opening ceremony on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, performing 'Dai Dai,' the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem they co-wrote. The full lineup also included Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Tyla. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and EJAE performed 'DNA,' the secondary official anthem.

The official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is 'Dai Dai,' co-written and performed by Shakira and Burna Boy. It debuted live at the Estadio Azteca opening ceremony on June 11, 2026.

Shakira and Burna Boy opened the 2026 World Cup ceremony at Estadio Azteca with 'Dai Dai,' their co-written official tournament anthem. They were joined by Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Tyla, and others.

The opening ceremony began approximately 90 minutes before the 3:00 PM ET kickoff on June 11, 2026, around 1:30 PM ET (7:30 PM in Spain / 21:30 CEST) at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Official ticket prices ranged from roughly $50 for early group-stage matches to over $1,000 for the final. FIFA used a tiered pricing system, with the most affordable options for group games in smaller host cities.

Russia remains suspended from FIFA competition due to the invasion of Ukraine and did not participate in the 2026 World Cup. No other FIFA member associations were formally banned from the 2026 edition.

Yes. Lionel Messi, 38 (turning 39 during the tournament), was confirmed in Argentina's 26-man World Cup squad. It is his sixth and likely final World Cup, as defending champions Argentina aim to retain the title.

Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was confirmed in Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup, his sixth appearance at the tournament, matching Messi's record.

The tournament runs June 11 to July 19, 2026. The group stage involves 48 teams across 12 groups, followed by a new Round of 32, Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on July 19.

FIFA confirmed Shakira, Madonna, and BTS as co-headliners for the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Yes. The opening ceremony took place at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, before the Mexico vs. South Africa match. It was a large-scale show with international artists including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Maná, watched by over 80,000 fans in the stadium.

The first game was Mexico vs. South Africa on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca. Mexico won 2-0.

Mexico and South Africa played the first match of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico won 2-0.

Miami's Hard Rock Stadium is hosting group-stage matches and potentially knockout-stage games. The specific match-by-match schedule is on the official FIFA website (fifa.com).