The wait is finally over.
Today, Thursday, June 11, 2026, the FIFA World Cup officially kicks off across North America, marking the beginning of the largest World Cup ever staged. For the next 39 days, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will welcome the world as 48 nations battle across 104 matches for soccer’s biggest prize.
While the United States won’t play its first match until Friday, June 12, today’s opening festivities in Mexico City officially launch what is expected to become the most-watched sporting event in history.
Today’s Main Event
Opening Ceremony
Time: Approximately 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Azteca
The iconic stadium becomes the first venue in history to host three World Cup opening matches. Fans can expect a massive celebration featuring music, culture, dance, and performances from global stars including Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Maná, Tyla, Los Ángeles Azules, and Alejandro Fernández.
Opening Match
Mexico vs. South Africa
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo and FOX Sports platforms
Host nation Mexico gets the honor of opening the tournament in front of a packed home crowd.
Late-Night Match
South Korea vs. Czechia
Kickoff: 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
This serves as the second match of the tournament and gives fans a first look at another group-stage showdown.
What Every American Should Watch This Weekend
Even if you’re not a hardcore soccer fan, several storylines make this World Cup unique:
Lionel Messi’s Final World Cup?
Lionel Messi returns as defending champion and could be making his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Last Ride
Cristiano Ronaldo is also competing in what many expect to be his final World Cup tournament.
Team USA’s Home Tournament
The United States opens Friday in Los Angeles against Paraguay as millions of Americans experience World Cup fever on home soil for the first time since 1994.
The Largest World Cup Ever
For the first time, 48 teams will compete, creating more upsets, more matches, and more global storylines than ever before.
Major U.S. City Celebration Guide
Across America, cities are turning into giant soccer festivals.
New York City / New Jersey
MetLife Stadium will host the World Cup Final on July 19.
Fans can gather at:
- Rockefeller Center watch parties
- Queens fan festivals
- Sports Illustrated Stadium events
- Bronx and Staten Island community fan zones
- Central Park viewing experiences
The region will host eight matches including the championship game.
Dallas-Fort Worth
The Metroplex is expected to become one of the busiest World Cup destinations in America.
Key areas expected to draw huge crowds include:
- Arlington Entertainment District
- Downtown Dallas watch parties
- Legacy West viewing events
- Frisco soccer celebrations
- Fort Worth sports bars and public viewing areas
North Texas will welcome fans from around the globe as one of the tournament’s premier host regions.
Kansas City
National WWI Museum and Memorial hosts the official FIFA Fan Festival.
Highlights include:
- Giant outdoor viewing screens
- Live entertainment
- Local food vendors
- Tech N9ne concert
- The Chainsmokers performance
- Flo Rida appearance
The festival runs from June 11 through July 11.
Los Angeles
The city’s World Cup celebration begins today.
Featured locations include:
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Fan Festival
- Union Station fan experiences
- Venice Beach soccer celebrations
- Farmers Market viewing events
- Downtown LA watch parties
The U.S. opening ceremony takes place Friday before Team USA’s first match.
Seattle
Seattle launches four free fan celebration venues today:
- Seattle Center
- Waterfront Park
- Pacific Place
- Victory Hall
All locations are free and open to the public throughout the tournament.
Miami
The city’s international soccer culture makes it one of the hottest World Cup destinations.
Expect:
- Massive watch parties in Brickell
- Wynwood soccer festivals
- Miami Beach viewing events
- International fan gatherings representing dozens of nations
Atlanta
Home of one of the world’s busiest airports, Atlanta is preparing for massive crowds.
Popular gathering spots include:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- The Battery Atlanta
- Midtown watch parties
- Downtown soccer festivals
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s soccer culture continues to grow, and city officials expect huge turnout for public viewing events throughout Center City and surrounding neighborhoods.
Boston
Historic pubs and downtown gathering areas will become soccer headquarters as fans fill the city for match screenings.
Houston
Houston’s diverse international population makes it one of America’s most vibrant World Cup destinations.
Expect large celebrations in:
- Downtown Houston
- Discovery Green
- EaDo District
- Soccer-specific fan zones
The Bottom Line
Today marks more than just the start of a tournament.
It is the beginning of a month-long celebration that will bring together millions of fans across North America. Whether you’re watching from a packed fan festival in Kansas City, a sports bar in Fort Worth, a public plaza in New York, or your living room, the world’s game has officially arrived.
By the time the final whistle blows on July 19 in New Jersey, North America will have hosted the biggest sporting event ever staged on the continent. Today is where that journey begins. ⚽🌎🏆
Kickoff: Mexico vs. South Africa — 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
