The FIFA World Cup 2026 finally begins today, Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the Group A World Cup 2026 schedule today, taking center stage and Mexico hosting the opening match in Mexico City. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Today’s opening-day schedule is short, sharp, and packed with storylines. Two Group A games on Day 1, both of which can have a big impact on the early standings.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Today
On June 11, four teams will face off as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule. All the match fans can watch the official broadcasting channels of FIFA.
- Mexico vs South Africa
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. local (Mexico City)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. local (Mexico City)
- Korea Republic vs Czechia
- Kick-off Time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. local (Zapopan)
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
- Kick-off Time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. local (Zapopan)
Today’s Match News: What You Need to Know
Mexico enter the tournament opener with a fresh squad announced by Javier Aguirre. Guillermo Ochoa is heading to a sixth World Cup, while Gilberto Mora is set for his first global finals. Mexico also have plenty of continuity in defense, with Edson Álvarez, César Montes, Jorge Sánchez and Johan Vásquez all part of the announced World Cup group.
South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, with Ronwen Williams as captain, along with Teboho Mokoena and Burnley striker Lyle Foster as major names in the setup. Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Samukele Kabini are among the defensive options.
Korea Republic arrive with a strong core led by Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Hwang Hee-chan, which gives them genuine match-winning quality in the final third and at the back.
Czechia’s World Cup coverage has also flagged Adam Hlozek’s recovery, while Patrik Schick remains one of their most important attacking threats.
World Cup 2026 Today’s Starting XI
The FIFA World Cup 2026 squads for day 1 on 11 June are below –
Mexico vs South Africa
- Mexico (4-3-3): Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez, Alexis Vega; Uriel Antuna, Raúl Jiménez, Santiago Giménez.
- South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Thabang Matuludi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams; Mohau Nkota, Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana; Lyle Foster.
Korea Republic vs Czechia
- Korea Republic (4-2-3-1): Jo Hyeon-woo; Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Lee Han-beom; Hwang In-beom, Park Yong-woo; Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan; Cho Gue-sung.
- Czechia (4-2-3-1): Jindřich Staněk; Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí, David Jurásek; Tomáš Souček, Michal Sadílek; Pavel Šulc, Adam Hložek, Václav Černý; Patrik Schick.
Mexico vs South Africa and the Republic vs Czechia: Who Will Win Today?
Mexico look slightly stronger in the opener because they are the hosts, they know the Mexico City pressure well, and their squad mixes experience with youth. South Africa can make it tense, but the safer prediction is that Mexico will win 2-1.
Korea Republic vs Czechia looks closer, but Korea Republic carry the bigger individual game-changers in Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Hwang Hee-chan. Czechia can stay competitive, yet the edge goes to the Republic in a tight 2-1 result.
Day 1 already has the feel of a proper World Cup statement day: a host-nation opener, a second Group A clash in Guadalajara, and an early chance for the favorites to set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
