Who’s playing today in the World Cup: kickoff times for Mexico vs. South Africa, South Korea vs. the Czech Republic, and the matches for Thursday, June 11, 2026

The World Cup schedule for this Thursday features two matches, both from the first round of the group stage (Group A).

· June 11, 2026

The 2026 World Cup kicks off this Thursday, June 11, and the opening schedule is short but loaded with symbolism: two matches, both from the first round of the group stage, both in Group A, and both played on Mexican soil. The highlight of the day is the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This is where the competition comes to life—and the host nation, led by Javier Aguirre, wants to get off on the right foot in front of a sold-out Azteca. Interestingly, it’s a rematch of the game that opened the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which ended in a draw. And the venue makes history: Azteca becomes the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches, following those in 1970 and 1986.

In the early hours of the morning in Portugal, the second match of the group will be played: South Korea vs. the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. The Czechs are returning to the world’s biggest soccer tournament for the first time since 2006, while the South Koreans, coached by Hong Myung-bo and led by captain Son Heung-min, are once again a regular presence in the final stages. Since this is everyone’s debut in the tournament, there are no standings or results to consider yet: everything is wide open. In a balanced group—which also includes Mexico and South Africa—both teams know that a strong start is crucial, as the top two finishers advance directly to the round of 16, joining the eight best third-place finishers. For the host team, the immediate goal is the same: to secure points so they don’t have to fight for survival as early as the second matchday.

The 2026 World Cup schedule in Portugal, Thursday, June 11

8:00 p.m. — Mexico vs. South Africa. Round: Matchday 1 of the group stage (Group A). TV: TVI (free-to-air) and Sport TV. Stadium: Azteca (Mexico City).
3:00 a.m. (early Friday) — South Korea vs. Czech Republic. Round: Matchday 1 of the group stage (Group A). TV: Sport TV. Stadium: Akron (Guadalajara).