Mexico open expanded World Cup against South Africa
The 2026 World Cup begins in Mexico with the first test of FIFA's 48-team format before Belgium start Group G on 15 June.
In 30 seconds
- FIFA's schedule starts the tournament on 11 June with Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City.
- FIFA's competition material lists 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
- FIFA's schedule puts Belgium in Group G, opening against Egypt in Seattle on 15 June.
- FIFA-linked media-rights material lists VRT and RTBF as Belgian rights holders.
FIFA (world football's governing body, founded in 1904 and based in Zurich) organises the men's World Cup. Mexico (co-host with Canada and the United States in 2026) opens the tournament at Mexico City Stadium, FIFA's tournament name for Estadio Azteca. South Africa (CAF qualifier and 2010 World Cup host) are Mexico's first opponents. South Korea (AFC power and 2002 co-host) and Czechia (the Czech national team, returning under that name after earlier World Cup appearances as Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic) complete the opening-day fixtures. Canada, Mexico and the United States (the three CONCACAF host nations) share the first tri-national men's World Cup. Belgium's Red Devils (the Belgian men's national team run by the Royal Belgian Football Association) are in Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, according to FIFA's schedule data. VRT and RTBF (Belgium's Dutch- and French-language public broadcasters) are listed by FIFA-linked media-rights material as Belgian broadcasters.
Background
FIFA approved expansion to 48 teams in 2017, then the FIFA Council settled on a 12-group, 104-match format in March 2023 after earlier three-team group plans drew concern over competitive incentives. Mexico and South Africa also opened the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010, a 1-1 draw remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal. Belgium's modern World Cup reference point remains 2018, when the Red Devils finished third; the 2022 group-stage exit made the 2026 campaign a test of renewal rather than continuity.
Why now
The trigger is opening day: FIFA's schedule begins the 2026 World Cup on 11 June with Mexico against South Africa, turning years of format debate, host planning and qualification into live competition.
What to watch
Watch Mexico's performance under home pressure, South Africa's adaptation to Mexico City, and whether the first Group A matches suggest the expanded format rewards caution or attacking play. For Belgian readers, the next fixed date is Belgium against Egypt on 15 June.
What to do
Belgian viewers should check VRT and RTBF schedules for live coverage and expect late-evening or night-time kick-offs because the tournament is in North America. Cafés and fan organisers can use the opening days to test demand before Belgium's 15 June opener, when local interest should rise sharply.
How we got here
- 2017-01-10
FIFA approved expanding the men's World Cup to 48 teams from 2026.
- 2023-03-14
The FIFA Council approved the 12-group, 104-match format for 2026.
- 2026-06-11
Mexico open the tournament against South Africa in Mexico City.
- 2026-06-15
Belgium are scheduled to open Group G against Egypt in Seattle.
- 2026-07-19
FIFA's schedule sets the final for New York/New Jersey.
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