FINALLY! 2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off Today with Historic Opening Ceremony and Mexico vs. South Africa Opener

MEXICO CITY — The biggest sporting event on the planet is officially here. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, historically co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, gets underway today, kicking off a monumental month of soccer.

The tournament will begin with host nation Mexico facing off against South Africa in a highly anticipated Group A opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium). Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM local time / ET).

Mexico enters the tournament as the heavy favorite to win Group A and is looking to secure a dominant three points on home soil under manager Javier Aguirre. Meanwhile, South Africa is making its first World Cup appearance since 2010 and is hoping to pull off a stunning opening-day upset.

An Unprecedented Opening Ceremony

In a tournament defined by firsts, the 2026 World Cup will not feature just one opening ceremony, but three, one for each host nation.

Today’s inaugural celebration in Mexico City will begin 90 minutes before kickoff at 6:30 PM BST (1:30 PM ET). The stadium is expected to be electric, fueled by a star-studded musical lineup that honors global pop and traditional Mexican culture.

What to expect at today’s ceremony:

• Global Superstars: Shakira and Burna Boy will headline the event, taking the stage to perform the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, “Dai Dai”.
• Star-Studded Lineup: The concert will also feature performances by Latin music icons J Balvin, Maná, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and rising international star Tyla (who will also perform the South African national anthem).
• A Touch of Tradition: Legendary singer Alejandro Fernández is set to sing the Mexican national anthem right before kickoff, bringing the local crowd to its feet.

The festivities won’t stop in Mexico. Tomorrow, June 12th, Canada and the United States will hold their own respective opening ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles before their opening matches, featuring acts like Katy Perry, Future, and Alanis Morissette.

But for today, all eyes are on the Estadio Azteca. The summer of soccer has officially begun.

Stay tuned to www.abtnews.net for live updates, scores, and breaking stories throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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