⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 – Today’s Schedule
June 13, 2026
6:00 PM ET — Brazil vs Morocco
9:00 PM ET — Haiti vs Scotland
12:00 AM ET — Australia vs Türkiye
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins on Thursday, June 11, with a spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico City before the tournament’s first match between Mexico and South Africa. Fans from around the world are eagerly awaiting the celebration, which will showcase music, culture, and entertainment ahead of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
With 48 teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the opening ceremony is expected to set the tone for an unforgettable month of football action.
What Time Does the Mexico City Opening Ceremony Start?
The first FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony takes place at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. local time and will lead directly into pre-match coverage before Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament opener.
United States Start Times
| Time Zone | Ceremony Start Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 1:30 p.m. |
| Central Time (CT) | 12:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 11:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 10:30 a.m. |
Fans are encouraged to tune in early, as the ceremony will feature live performances, cultural showcases, and special appearances celebrating the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
Viewers in the United States can watch the opening ceremony live on FOX.
TV Channel
- FOX
Live Streaming Options
- FOX One
- FOX Sports App
- FOX Sports Website
- fubo
Coverage begins with “FIFA World Cup LIVE” at 1:00 p.m. ET, featuring analysis, interviews, and pre-match programming leading into the ceremony and opening match.
Full Mexico City Opening Ceremony Performers List
The Mexico City ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup of international and Latin music artists. The event aims to celebrate the diversity and global reach of football through music and culture.
The performers scheduled to appear include:
- Maná
- Alejandro Fernández
- Belinda
- Lila Downs
- Los Ángeles Azules
- Tyla
- Burna Boy
- J Balvin
- Shakira
- Danny Ocean
One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony will be the live performance of “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, performed by global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy.
A Historic Start to World Cup 2026
The opening ceremony carries special significance as Mexico becomes the first nation to host World Cup matches across three different FIFA World Cups. Estadio Azteca, one of football’s most iconic venues, has previously hosted legendary tournaments and now welcomes the world once again.
The celebration will highlight Mexican culture, music, and traditions while introducing fans to the largest World Cup ever staged. Following the ceremony, attention will quickly turn to the pitch as Mexico and South Africa kick off Group A action.
What Happens After the Opening Ceremony?
Immediately after the festivities conclude, Mexico will take on South Africa in the first match of the tournament. The Group A clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET and will officially launch a tournament featuring 104 matches across 16 host cities.
With world-class entertainment, global superstars, and the excitement of football’s biggest competition, the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony promises to be one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.
Fans can expect an unforgettable showcase before the action begins on the field and the road to World Cup glory gets underway.