The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has scheduled South Africa to play host nation Mexico in the tournament's opening match on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium. This marks South Africa's return to the finals since hosting in 2010, when they drew with Mexico in their opener. The expanded 48-team event will span three countries and feature 104 matches.
FIFA conducted the draw on Friday, December 5, 2025, unveiling the groups for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament begins with Mexico versus South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue that hosted the finals in 1970 and 1986. South Africa, absent from the World Cup since 2010, will aim to improve on that campaign, where they drew 1-1 with Mexico but exited in the group stage.
The following day, June 12, sees the United States face Paraguay in Los Angeles and Canada take on a playoff qualifier—potentially Italy—in Toronto. Other notable matchups include defending champions Argentina drawn with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Brazil, five-time winners, will meet Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, with the Scots returning since 1998 after losing their opener to Brazil.
France opens against Senegal, echoing the 2002 upset when Senegal defeated the holders. England starts with Croatia—a 2018 semifinal foe—and Panama, whom they thrashed 6-1 in that tournament's groups. South Korea plays a playoff winner in the second match on opening day.
A new seeding system protects top teams like Spain, Argentina, France, and England from early clashes, ensuring they meet no sooner than the semifinals if group winners. The 48 teams, including six playoff spots, form 12 groups of four, leading to 104 matches across 16 cities. The final is set for July 19 in New Jersey. Venues and kickoff times for non-host groups will be revealed Saturday, with possible adjustments in March after playoffs.