Mexico City is set to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the beginning of the largest tournament in football history.
Estadio Azteca has officially been confirmed as the venue for the opening game on June 11, 2026, where Mexico’s national team will begin its World Cup campaign in front of home supporters.
The 2026 tournament will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
A total of 104 matches are scheduled to be played across 16 host cities during the tournament.
Mexico will play all three of its group-stage matches on home soil. After the opening match in Mexico City, the team will play its second game on June 18 in Guadalajara before returning to the capital for its final group-stage fixture on June 24.
In addition to the opening match, Estadio Azteca will host a Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia, one Round of 32 match, and a Round of 16 fixture.
With a capacity of more than 83,000 spectators, Estadio Azteca remains one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.
Originally opened in 1966, the stadium previously hosted World Cup legends including Pelé and Diego Maradona during earlier editions of the tournament.
The stadium is currently home to Club América, Cruz Azul, and Mexico’s national football team.
Estadio Azteca also hosted the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup final, where nearly 99,000 spectators attended — setting a tournament attendance record.
