Daily soccer match updates and more as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues until July 19.
Game on.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today (Thursday, June 11) in Mexico City at noon Pacific time, when Mexico takes on South Africa in the tournament-opening game, first of two today.
It’s the first of 104 World Cup matches over the next 39 days, in June and July.
“Almost eight years to the day that Canada, Mexico and USA were appointed co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this record-breaking global showpiece kicks off (today),” says a post on fifa.com.
“By a twist of fate, the clash is a reverse repeat of the opening game of the 2010 tournament, when Bafana Bafana were the host nation,” a match preview explains.
“Hugo Broos’ side secured their place at a fourth global showpiece by finishing top of Group C in CAF qualifying. Left-back Aubrey Modiba is expected to be fit for South Africa after recovering from a hamstring problem.”
Group A action continues at 7 p.m. Thursday when South Korea faces Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara, Mexico.
In Canada, soccer fans can watch on TSN and, for select matches, Crave.
Canada’s first game is noon Friday (June 12) in Toronto vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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READ MORE:
World Cup numbers: 39-day FIFA soccer tournament starts Thursday, June 11.
2026 FIFA World Cup: An in-depth look at Canada’s midfielders and forwards.
2026 FIFA World Cup: An in-depth look into Canada’s goalkeepers and defence.