What to Watch on World Cup Opening Day
The wait is finally over. The FIFA 2026 World Cup is here, even if the buildup has been far from smooth.
Questions about ticket prices, visa issues, and the tournament’s expanded format have dominated headlines in recent weeks. But with kickoff finally here, those concerns take a back seat. After years of qualifying rounds, squad changes and anticipation, the action can finally begin.
The tournament opens in Mexico City, where Mexico becomes the first nation to host matches at three different men’s World Cups. Estadio Azteca, already home to some of the most iconic moments in football history, will once again be the center of the soccer world as Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match of the competition.
The tournament’s opening ceremony will also take place before kickoff in Mexico City, featuring performances from Shakira, J Balvin, and Burna Boy.
While only two matches are scheduled on Day 1, both carry importance. Opening matches often tell us more about a team than any friendly ever could. A strong start can settle nerves, while an early setback can change the outcome of a group.
Mexico vs. South Africa
3:00 p.m. ET | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
The spotlight belongs to Mexico.
Playing at home, in front of one of the loudest crowds of the tournament, El Tri enters with high expectations. The pressure is familiar. Mexico has reached the Round of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups, but has failed to advance beyond that stage every time. Hosting provides Mexico with its best chance in decades to finally end its curse.
There’s some history between these two nations. The last time South Africa played in a World Cup opener, it was against Mexico in 2010. Siphiwe Tshabalala delivered one of the most iconic goals in World Cup opening-match history. Sixteen years later, the two nations meet again to kick off another tournament.
Can Mexico Handle the Pressure?
No team enters opening day under more pressure than Mexico. The expectations of an entire country, combined with the emotion of opening the tournament at Azteca, could either fuel Mexico or create a nervous performance. The first 20 minutes will tell us a lot.
Opening matches often produce surprises. South Africa enters as the underdog, but that can be a dangerous role. They can sit compact, absorb pressure, and look to transition through players like Lyle Foster. One early goal could completely change the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Key Players to Watch
For Mexico, captain Edson Álvarez remains the engine in midfield, while striker Santiago Giménez enters the tournament as the nation’s most important attacking threat. Keep an eye on 17-year-old Gilberto Mora as well. The Tijuana midfielder is one of the most highly regarded prospects to emerge from Mexico in recent years and could become one of the breakout stars of the tournament if given the opportunity on home turf.
South Africa will look to Burnley forward Lyle Foster for goals, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena provides experience in the center. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, one of Africa’s top shot-stoppers, could be relied on frequently if Mexico controls possession as expected.
Prediction: Mexico 2–1 South Africa
Mexico should have the quality advantage and the crowd behind them, but opening matches are rarely comfortable. Expect a tense start before the hosts eventually settle in.
South Korea vs. Czechia
10:00 p.m. ET | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
The second match of the day may not receive the same attention, but it has major implications in Group A. Alongside Mexico and South Africa, South Korea and Czechia are battling for what could be one of the two automatic qualification spots.
For both nations, this feels like a game they cannot afford to lose.
The Battle for Second Place
Mexico enters as the favorite to win the group. That leaves South Korea, Czechia, and South Africa fighting for the remaining qualification spots. Three points could dramatically change the projection for either side.
South Korea has reached the knockout rounds in three of its last six World Cup appearances and enters the tournament with one of the strongest squads in Asia. Their ability to play quickly in transition has troubled opponents for decades, and they’ll likely try to stretch Czechia’s defensive shape whenever possible.
Czechia enters with a squad capable of making life difficult for opponents through organization and aerial strength. If they can slow the game down and force South Korea into a physical battle, they’ll like their chances.
Key Players to Watch
South Korea’s attack is still led by Son Heung-min, whose experience and ability to create chances remain vital to the Taeguk Warriors. Alongside him, PSG’s Lee Kang-in provides creativity between the lines, while Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae anchors the defense as one of Asia’s most accomplished center-backs.
For Czechia, Patrik Schick remains the headline name. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has consistently delivered goals for club and country and will be the main point of the Czech attack. Midfielder Tomáš Souček brings leadership, while goalkeeper Matěj Kovář could become key if Czechia spends long stretches defending against South Korea’s pace.
Prediction: South Korea 1–1 Czechia
This feels like one of the most evenly matched games of the opening week. Neither team will want to start with a defeat, which could lead to a cautious match.
The buildup to this World Cup hasn’t been perfect. By the end of opening day, though, the focus should finally be back where it belongs. Four nations will take the field, and the tournament will officially be underway. The World Cup is finally here.