The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off as Mexico meets South Africa in the opening match. This event marks the first time Mexico will host the World Cup for the third time, having previously organized it in 1970 and 1986. Both earlier tournaments ended with Mexico reaching the quarter-finals.
Match Details
Fans can watch Mexico face South Africa live on TSN, starting at 3 p.m. ET / Noon PT. The tournament will unfold over the next 39 days, featuring a total of 104 matches.
Historical Context and Team Backgrounds
- Mexico: Aiming for advancement after an early exit in Qatar 2022.
- South Africa: Returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010.
Opening Weekend Highlights
Following the opener, South Korea will take on Czechia at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. South Korea is making its 12th World Cup appearance, a record for Asian teams. They look to improve on their 2022 Round of 16 exit against Brazil.
Czechia is back in the tournament after a hiatus, qualifying through the UEFA playoffs by beating Denmark in a penalty shootout.
Canada’s Debut
On Friday, Canada will begin its campaign in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Seeking their first-ever World Cup win, Canada is ranked 30th globally, while Bosnia holds the 64th spot.
- Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / Noon PT
- Pre-Match Coverage: Starts at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on TSN.
Players like Liam Millar express excitement about performing in front of their home crowd, marking a historical moment for Canadian soccer.
USA’s Encounter
The United States will follow suit on Friday night, facing Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. This match serves as a crucial test for the US team after a Round of 16 exit in Qatar.
- Previous Encounter: The two teams met in November, ending in a 2-1 win for the U.S.
- Paraguay: Returns for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
Watch the Action
Fans can catch every match live on TSN from June 11 to July 19. Don’t miss any thrilling moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
