Pending confirmation
- Specific ET kickoff times for Mexico vs South Korea (June 18) and Mexico vs Czechia (June 24) have not been finalized at time of publication. Dates and venues are confirmed.
- FOX broadcast vs FS1 channel splits for individual Mexico fixtures have not been formally confirmed by FOX Sports at time of publication.
CupCities is an independent fan information site. We publish only facts verified against FIFA and official confederation channels. Updates after each confirmation are dated.
Group A · Co-host · Opening match
Mexico — Group A. Estadio Azteca and Estadio Akron.
Team facts
Quick answer
Mexico qualified automatically as a co-host and plays in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. Mexico opens the entire 2026 World Cup vs South Africa on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca). The team then plays South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron) on June 18, and Czechia back at Estadio Azteca on June 24. Kickoff times for matches 2 and 3 are pending final FIFA confirmation; CupCities will update once the schedule is fully published. The Mexico-South Africa opener airs on FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish in the US.
Group A fixtures
Mexico’s full Group A schedule. Dates and venues are FIFA-confirmed; specific ET kickoff times for the second and third matches remain pending and will update once published.
Match 1 · vs South Africa
Mexico vs South Africa
Match 2 · vs South Korea
Mexico vs South Korea
Match 3 · vs Czechia
Mexico vs Czechia
Squad notes
Mexico has played in every FIFA World Cup since 1994 and reached the round of 16 in eight consecutive tournaments before 2022. The 2026 squad combines core players from Liga MX and Europe’s top leagues. As one of three co-hosts, Mexico opens the tournament with all the attendant logistical advantages — and pressure. CupCities does not publish predicted starting XIs.
How to watch
In the US, FOX broadcasts Mexico’s group fixtures in English and Telemundo carries them in Spanish; both are free over the air with an HD antenna in the broadcast footprint. FOX One streams in English ($19.99/month); Peacock streams in Spanish ($7.99/month). In Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca traditionally share rights — confirm local schedule.
Where they play
Mexico plays in two Mexican host cities: Mexico City (opening match and final group fixture) and Guadalajara (match 2). See CupCities city guides at /host-cities/mexico-city and /host-cities/guadalajara for stadium transit, fan zones, and matchday tips.
FAQ
Mexico: FAQs
When is Mexico’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET, vs South Africa at Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca). It is the official opening match of the entire tournament — the third opening match in Estadio Azteca history, after 1970 and 1986.
What group is Mexico in for the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico is in Group A, along with South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. The group plays its three rounds across June 11, 18, and 24, with Mexico’s matches at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara), and Estadio Azteca.
Where can I watch Mexico matches in the US?
FOX in English and Telemundo in Spanish carry every Mexico match. With an HD antenna in the broadcast footprint, both are free over the air. FOX One ($19.99/month) streams in English; Peacock ($7.99/month) streams in Spanish. In Mexico, Televisa and TV Azteca traditionally share rights.
Why are exact kickoff times for Mexico’s second and third matches still pending?
FIFA has confirmed match dates and venues for the full group stage. Specific ET kickoff times depend on the broadcaster schedule and group-stage standings; CupCities will update once each kickoff is officially published.
Is Estadio Azteca the same as Estadio Banorte?
Yes. The stadium was officially renamed Estadio Banorte in late 2025 under a 12-year financing deal. FIFA rules forbid commercial sponsor names on host venues, so the tournament refers to the stadium as Mexico City Stadium. Locally and on maps the stadium is still Estadio Azteca.
Where can I buy tickets for Mexico matches?
FIFA controls primary ticketing for all 2026 matches at fifa.com. Mexico-played fixtures as co-host carry exceptional domestic demand, especially the opener; any third-party platform is a secondary resale.