The 2026 World Cup is set to commence on June 11, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa at the historic Azteca Stadium. This renowned venue, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals, sets a powerful stage for the tournament’s opening. South Africa marks their return to the global football stage for the first time since 2010.
Following the official draw on Friday, fellow host nations the United States and Canada will begin their campaigns on June 12 in Los Angeles and Toronto, respectively. The expanded competition will feature 48 teams distributed into 12 groups of four, leading to an unprecedented 104-match schedule across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Key Matchups for the 2026 World Cup
Defending champions Argentina are grouped with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Five-time winners Brazil will challenge Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, the latter making their first appearance since 1998. France will meet Senegal in a highly anticipated repeat of their 2002 upset, while England will face Croatia, a rematch of the 2018 semi-final. SindhNews.com previously highlighted expert predictions for these opening games.
A new seeding system ensures that top-ranked teams, including Spain and 2022 runners-up France, are strategically placed to avoid early clashes until the semi-final stage. The competition culminates with the final held in New Jersey on July 19, promising an extended and globally distributed football festival.