The World Cup starts TODAY: the schedule, the opening match and the detail from 25 years ago that gives you goosebumps

Mexico vs South Africa at 21:00, Shakira at the ceremony and a stadium making history for the third time. Everything you need to know about the first day of the 2026 World Cup — and the cursed date no Mexican has ever forgotten.

Today, 11 June 2026, the biggest World Cup in history kicks off: 48 nations, 104 matches, 39 days and three host countries. The first whistle will blow at 21:00 (Spanish time) at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with Mexico vs South Africa in Group A. And if you think you've seen it all at a World Cup, this opening day has more stories hidden beneath the surface than you might expect.

Mexico vs South Africa: the match that starts it all

Javier Aguirre's Mexico arrive with an explosive blend of experience and youth: Raúl Jiménez leading the attack, Edson Álvarez as captain, and the big sensation, Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old midfielder who has made it just in time after recovering from injury. And in goal, an incredible story: Guillermo Ochoa, aged 40, will play his SIXTH World Cup — a record he shares only with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He's there because first-choice keeper Luis Malagón ruptured his cruciate ligament just weeks before the tournament.

The ceremony: Shakira, Burna Boy and the world premiere of 'Dai Dai'

At 19:30 (Spanish time), around 90 minutes before kick-off, the Azteca will host the opening ceremony with Shakira and Burna Boy premiering 'Dai Dai' live — the tournament's official song. Also performing will be Maná, J Balvin, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules and South African artist Tyla. And look out for what's coming at the end of the tournament: Shakira will return for the 19 July final, with Madonna and BTS performing at half-time.

The detail that gives you goosebumps: the Aztecazo happened on 11 June

Mexico have almost never lost an official match at the Azteca: just two competitive defeats in the entire history of World Cup qualifying. The first was the famous 'Aztecazo' against Costa Rica... on 11 June 2001. Today is exactly 25 years to the day. Costa Ricans still celebrate it; Mexicans still have nightmares about it. If you're superstitious and you're playing the sweepstake, you already know which result is NOT impossible tonight.

When do the big nations play their first match? Mark it in your calendar

• Brazil — Saturday 13 June vs Morocco (MetLife Stadium, midnight Spanish time)
• Spain — Monday 15 June vs Cape Verde (Atlanta, 19:00)
• France — Tuesday 16 June vs Senegal (MetLife, 21:00)
• Argentina — night of 16/17 June vs Algeria (Kansas City, 03:00)
• England — Wednesday 17 June vs Croatia (Dallas, 22:00)
• Cristiano's Portugal — Wednesday 17 June vs DR Congo (Houston, 19:00)

What time is the 2026 World Cup opening match in Spain?

Mexico vs South Africa kicks off today, Thursday 11 June 2026, at 21:00 Spanish mainland time (13:00 Mexico City time). The second match of the day, South Korea vs Czech Republic in Guadalajara, starts at 04:00 in the early hours.

How many matches does the 2026 World Cup have?

104 matches across 39 days: 72 in the group stage (12 groups of 4 teams) and 32 in the knockout rounds, including the new round of 32. The final will be played on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It's the first World Cup with 48 nations and three hosts: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Make your prediction before the first whistle

104 matches means 104 chances to prove you know more than your mates. On QuiniPrats you can set up your 2026 World Cup league in two minutes, invite the group and start predicting today. The first match is tonight — don't say we didn't warn you.

Images: Aerial view of the Estadio Azteca (ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) and Raúl Jiménez (Timmy96, CC0, Wikimedia Commons).