World Cup 2026 Opening Match — Mexico vs South Africa
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 2026-06-11 with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, MX. The opening ceremony is held at the same venue immediately before kickoff. Below are the confirmed kickoff times in every major timezone.
Your kickoff time
Opening match kick-off time around the world
Opening ceremony
FIFA stages an opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca immediately before kickoff. It is broadcast live on the same channels that carry the match. Historically, ceremonies start 60–90 minutes before the opening whistle. FIFA confirms the exact start time closer to the date.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match?
The opening match — Mexico vs South Africa — kicks off on 2026-06-11 at 13:00 local Mexico City time (2026-06-11T19:00:00Z UTC). It's played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, MX.
What time is the World Cup opening match in CET?
The opening match kicks off at 21:00 CEST (Central European Summer Time) on 2026-06-11.
What time is the World Cup opening match in BST?
The opening match kicks off at 20:00 BST (British Summer Time) on 2026-06-11.
Is there an opening ceremony?
Yes — FIFA traditionally stages an opening ceremony immediately before the opening match. It is held at the same venue (Estadio Azteca) and is broadcast on the same channel as the match. Exact start time is typically 60–90 minutes before kickoff; FIFA confirms timing closer to the date.
Where is the 2026 World Cup opening match being played?
The opening match is at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, MX (capacity 87,523).