It’s finally here. After months (years) of anticipation, the World Cup is finally set to kick off on North American soil as forty-eight teams will hope that they’re the last one standing after July 19’s final at MetLife Stadium. The curtain-raiser takes us to the famed Estadio Azteca at 3 p.m. as Mexico faces South Africa in Mexico City, while the nightcap is in Guadalajara as South Korea faces Czechia at 10 p.m.
From a wider-lens view, Mexico should be favored to make it out of Group A, with Czechia posing the biggest threat to El Tri not winning the group altogether. That’s not to say that South Korea (a Round of 16 team in 2022 that features Son Heung-min) or South Africa (making its first appearance since hosting in 2010) could shake things up at the end of the day.
Where to watch Mexico vs. South Africa
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Kickoff time: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Available TV/streaming: FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Where to watch South Korea vs. Czechia
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Kickoff time: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 10 p.m. ET
Available TV/streaming: FS1/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
As for Atlanta, the first of eight matches to be held here is on June 15, but festivities are happening all across the metro area. Here’s a list of where to watch World Cup action, along with a map.
If you’re headed to Atlanta to see games in person, check out our World Cup guide, which gives you information on where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, along with how to get around using MARTA.
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