Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca is in the final stages of preparation as it prepares to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 11. The tournament will begin with a highly anticipated clash between hosts Mexico and South Africa.
This marks the start of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, a historic expansion that makes the 2026 edition the largest in the competition’s history.
A stadium with World Cup history
Estadio Azteca is no stranger to football’s biggest stage. The venue previously hosted World Cup matches in 1970 and 1986, and with this edition, it will become the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches in three different tournaments.
Over the past several months, extensive renovation work has been carried out to modernise the stadium. Upgrades include improved seating arrangements, enhanced hospitality areas, updated media facilities, and expanded fan zones. Security operations have also been intensified as authorities prepare for thousands of visiting supporters.
Opening ceremony and global celebrations
Alongside the opening match, fans will also witness the tournament’s first official opening ceremony in Mexico City before kickoff. FIFA is additionally planning parallel opening celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles as part of the tri-nation hosting format involving Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
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The opening match is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time at Estadio Azteca, marking the beginning of a month-long global football festival.
World Cup 2026 schedule highlights
The tournament will run across multiple stages, with the group phase concluding on June 27. The knockout rounds will begin on June 28, leading up to the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
Key stages include:
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 10
- Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15
- Third-place playoff: July 18
- Final: July 19 (New Jersey)
Countdown to kickoff
With just hours remaining before the opening whistle, organisers say all preparations are complete. The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw global attention as it spreads across three host nations and delivers the most expansive edition in FIFA history.
