The biggest World Cup in history begins at the most legendary stadium in the game. On June 11, 2026, Mexico faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, in front of more than 83,000 fans and a global television audience in the billions. Here is everything you need to know about the opening match.

The stadium: three World Cups, one legend

Estadio Azteca is the only stadium in the world to have hosted two World Cup finals — 1970 and 1986 — and in 2026 it becomes the first to host three World Cup tournaments. It is where Pelé lifted the trophy in 1970 and where Maradona scored the Goal of the Century in 1986. The stadium sits at around 2,200 metres above sea level, which affects players and fans alike: take it easy on your first day, drink plenty of water and go easy on the alcohol until you acclimatise.

The match: Mexico vs South Africa

Mexico opens the tournament as hosts, and the Azteca will be a wall of green. El Tri have reached the Round of 16 at every World Cup since 1994, and the home crowd will expect nothing less than a win. South Africa, back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, will be dangerous on the counter and have nothing to lose. The atmosphere will be extraordinary — Mexican opening matches are among the loudest occasions in world football.

Getting there and getting in

Estadio Azteca is in the south of Mexico City, about 45 minutes from the historic centre by metro and light rail. Take the metro to Tasqueña, then the Tren Ligero to the Estadio Azteca station — it drops you almost at the gates. Arrive at least three hours before kick-off: security is tight, queues are long, and the opening ceremony starts well before the match. Tickets are mobile-only in the FIFA app, and bag rules are strict — bring only the essentials.

The party around the opening match

Mexico City's Fan Festival at the Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, runs for the whole tournament and is free to enter. For the opening match it will be the biggest party in the city, with giant screens, live mariachi bands, food stalls and tens of thousands of fans. If you do not have a ticket, the Zócalo is where you want to be. The whole city will be celebrating — bars in Polanco, Roma Norte and Condesa will be packed from midday.

Practical tips for opening day

Book your hotel in Polanco, Roma Norte or Condesa — safe, lively neighbourhoods with good transport links. Learn a few words of Spanish; it goes a long way. Carry cash in pesos for street food and taxis, but use cards in restaurants. Keep your passport and ticket phone charged and backed up. And remember the altitude: if you arrive the day before the match, you will feel it on the stairs at the stadium. Arrive a day or two early if you can.

Frequently asked questions

The opening ceremony: what to expect

The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca will be a spectacular celebration of Mexican culture and the three host nations, with live music, dance and a parade of the 48 teams. It starts well before kick-off, so arrive early to see it — the gates open hours before the match, and the ceremony is part of the ticket. The whole stadium will be a sea of green, and the atmosphere when Mexico walk out will be one of the loudest moments of the entire tournament. If you are watching from the Zócalo, the ceremony will be shown on the giant screens too.

When is the opening match? June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Who plays? Mexico vs South Africa. How do I get to the stadium? Metro to Tasqueña, then Tren Ligero to the stadium station. Is there a Fan Festival? Yes, at the Zócalo, free entry for the whole tournament. What is the altitude? Around 2,200 metres — take it easy on day one.