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Opening Day Timeline

World Cup 2026 Opening Day Schedule

June 11 is the first World Cup matchday: ceremony first, Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, then Korea Republic vs Czechia in Guadalajara. Start here when you need the order, then open the ceremony, watch or match page that fits your plan.

Updated: June 10, 2026

Quick Answer

Opening day at a glance

Opening day is Thursday, June 11, 2026. The day begins with the Mexico City ceremony, then Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 1:00 PM local time. Korea Republic vs Czechia follows at 8:00 PM local time in Guadalajara. If you only need the next live match after June 11, use Games Today.

Opening eventMexico City ceremony
First matchMexico vs South Africa
Second matchKorea Republic vs Czechia
Best next pageGames Today after kickoff

Opening day timeline

Use this as the quick order for June 11. The ceremony page covers artists and venue notes, while the match pages cover football context and previews.

Before kickoffReported 12:30 PM ET ceremony window

Opening ceremony in Mexico City

Start here if you want the ceremony window before the first match. Recheck your TV or streaming listing before the show begins.

Ceremony guide
Match 11:00 PM Mexico City / 3:00 PM ET

Mexico vs South Africa

The first whistle comes after the ceremony at Mexico City Stadium.

Match preview
Match 28:00 PM Mexico City / 10:00 PM ET

Korea Republic vs Czechia

The second Group A match finishes the first day in Guadalajara.

Match preview

Opening day matches and kickoff times

MatchVenueETPTUKCentral Europe
Match 1: Mexico vs South AfricaEstadio Azteca (Mexico City)Thu, Jun 11, 3:00 PM EDTThu, Jun 11, 12:00 PM PDTThu, Jun 11, 8:00 PM GMT+1Thu, Jun 11, 9:00 PM GMT+2
Match 2: Korea Republic vs CzechiaGuadalajara Stadium (Guadalajara)Thu, Jun 11, 10:00 PM EDTThu, Jun 11, 7:00 PM PDTFri, Jun 12, 3:00 AM GMT+1Fri, Jun 12, 4:00 AM GMT+2

How to watch opening day

For U.S. viewers, the free point to check first is Tubi for the ceremony and the opener. FOX and FOX One cover English-language viewing, while Telemundo, Universo and Peacock are the Spanish-language route. For country-specific details, use the watch guide before you choose an app or TV package.

Opening MatchHow to watch Mexico vs South AfricaUse this when you need kickoff time, FOX, Tubi, Telemundo, Peacock and device checks.CeremonyOpening ceremony timeUse this for the reported ceremony window, performers, venue and free-stream notes.Free StreamWhat is free on Tubi?Check which opening events and early matches FOX lists as free on Tubi.Daily HubGames TodayMove here once the tournament starts and you want the rolling daily match list.

Where to go next

Opening day FAQ

What happens on World Cup 2026 opening day?

Opening day is Thursday, June 11, 2026. It starts with the Mexico City opening ceremony, then Mexico vs South Africa at Mexico City Stadium and Korea Republic vs Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium.

What time does Mexico vs South Africa start on opening day?

Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 1:00 PM in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. That is 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT, 8:00 PM in the UK and 9:00 PM in Central Europe.

How many matches are on World Cup opening day?

There are two matches on June 11, 2026: Mexico vs South Africa and Korea Republic vs Czechia.

Is this page different from Games Today?

Yes. Use this page for the June 11 opening-day order. Use Games Today once you want the live daily match list during the tournament.

Image source: ProtoplasmaKid via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Coverage trust

Opening day sources

Updated: June 10, 20263 official sources

Official sources

Official FIFA references