World Cup 2026 Day One: Everything to Know About Thursday's Two Matches

11 Jun 2026

The biggest World Cup in history opens Thursday with two matches in Mexico: the hosts take on South Africa at Estadio Azteca before South Korea face Czechia in Guadalajara, kicking off a 48-team, 104-match tournament. Mexico arrive on a long unbeaten run and have advanced from the group at seven straight World Cups they have played, while 25th-ranked South Korea went undefeated through qualifying under coach Hong Myung-bo. Czechia are appearing at the finals for the first time in 20 years.