Thursday, June 11, is opening day at the 2026 World Cup, and the slate is short but loaded with meaning: two matches, both in Group A, both the first step of a 39-day journey across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The headline act is the curtain-raiser itself — host nation Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, the third time the storied Mexico City ground will stage a World Cup opener. For El Tri, playing in front of a home crowd, there is no easing in; a fast start sets the tone for a group they are expected to push through.
The nightcap is no afterthought, either. South Korea face Czechia in the other Group A fixture, a meeting that could quietly decide who chases Mexico for the top two spots and a friendlier path into the round of 32. Since this is match day one, every side enters level, with everything still to play for and nothing yet on the board. Expect both games to be tight and cautious early — opening matches usually are — before the pressure of three points loosens things up.
World Cup Schedule in Chicago, Thursday, June 11
- 2:00 p.m. CT — Mexico vs. South Africa. Round: Group A, opening match day of the group stage. TV: Fox. Stadium: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City).
- 9:00 p.m. CT — South Korea vs. Czechia. Round: Group A, opening match day of the group stage. TV: FS1. Stadium: Estadio Akron (Guadalajara).
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