The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on Thursday, June 11, with 104 matches scheduled over the tournament.
Five critical games are set for the first four days.
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Opening Match and Ceremony
Hosts Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match on Thursday at 8 p. m.
The opening ceremony will feature performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre leads a squad facing skepticism from local fans. A strong performance against South Africa is essential to build tournament optimism.
United States and Canada Debut
The United States will debut against Paraguay in Los Angeles at 2 a. m.
on Saturday. This follows Canada's Friday night opening ceremony and match against Bosnia.
United States manager Mauricio Pochettino aims to leverage excitement against a Paraguayan squad ranked 23 places lower in the global standings.
Brazil Faces Early Test
Tournament favorites Brazil will play their toughest group stage match against Morocco on Saturday at 11 p. m.
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This provides an early test for manager Carlo Ancelotti's lineup.
Scotland and Germany in Action
Scotland will contest its opening Group C match against Haiti at 2 a. m.
on Sunday.
Scotland enters after recent warm-up victories against Bolivia and two earlier wins where Steve Clarke's side scored eight goals.
Haiti arrives after a 4-0 victory against New Zealand and a subsequent match against Peru.
Four-time winners Germany will conclude the weekend action against Curacao on Sunday at 6 p. m.
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This marks the first World Cup finals appearance for Curacao.
