Updated June 11, 2026, 2:59 PM EDT By NBC News
Important Matches Today
The FIFA World Cup begins with Mexico facing South Africa at 3 p.m. ET, followed by South Korea versus Czechia at 10 p.m. ET. Both matches air on Telemundo and Peacock.
Salma Hayek Presents World Cup Trophy
Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek attended the opening ceremony, presenting the World Cup trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Her presence highlighted the event’s start.
Teams Enter the Field
As the ceremonies concluded, players from Mexico and South Africa took to the field for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
Official World Cup Anthem Performance
Andrea Bocelli and EJAE performed “DNA,” the official World Cup anthem, marking the start of the tournament. The song, a collaboration with DJ David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion, will be a recurring theme throughout the event, though Megan was not present.
Country Flags Displayed at Ceremony
The opening match saw the display of all 48 participating country flags, reflecting the expanded tournament field from 32 to 48 teams.
Weather and Altitude Challenges
Rain and storms are expected in Mexico City, potentially affecting the match between Mexico and South Africa. The altitude of over 7,000 feet in Mexico City presents additional challenges for players.
Teams Announced
Starting line-ups for both Mexico and South Africa have been revealed, setting the stage for their opening clash.
Experiencing Mexico Through Food
Entrepreneur Josh Laredo offers food tours in Mexico City, providing tourists an authentic taco experience during the World Cup. His tours, known as the “Provecho” tour, include wine, art, and local stories, showcasing Mexico’s vibrant culture.
Opening Match Celebrations
Performers in elaborate costumes marked the beginning of the World Cup as Mexico prepared to compete against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, recently renovated for the event.
Advancement in the Tournament
This World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will see the top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance. Eight additional slots will go to teams with the most points from the group stage, determined by wins, draws, and goal differentials.
Mexico’s Rising Star: Gilberto Mora
Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old midfielder, is expected to shine for Mexico. He began his career with Tijuana in Liga MX and became the youngest player to win an international trophy by contributing to Mexico’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup victory.
Global Rankings Update
Argentina leads the FIFA World Rankings ahead of France and Spain. Morocco achieved a historic seventh place, marking its highest position since the ranking system began.
World Cup Group Rankings
The 2026 World Cup sees varying group difficulties, with the host countries pleased and teams like France and Brazil facing tougher challenges.
Fans Arrive in Full Spirit
Mexican supporters flocked to the stadium, adorned with sombreros, flags, and luchador masks, energizing the atmosphere for the match against South Africa.
Top Players to Watch
Key players for Mexico include Luis Chávez, Brian Gutiérrez, Johan Vásquez, and veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Chávez and Gutiérrez have shown strong performance in recent matches, raising hopes for Mexico in the tournament.