As co-hosts alongside Canada and the United States, Mexico was an automatic qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a playoff winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, with a matchup between host nation Mexico and Group A challenger South Africa. In 2010, South Africa became the first African nation to host a World Cup.

Texas could become a pivotal stage for Mexico and the USMNT. Could fans see the teams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington or NRG Stadium in Houston?

Follow live coverage as teams are drawn for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.

Mexico learned their 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, slotting into Group A alongside South Korea, South Africa and the winner of UEFA Playoff D.

The United States will hold its first match in Los Angeles on June 12, against Paraguay.

The US men’s soccer team will open June 12, face Australia on June 19 in Seattle and finish group play June 25 at SoFi Stadium against a team to be determined.

Curaçao, as well as Haiti and Panama, secured spots in the 2026 World Cup through Concacaf qualifying. Curaçao will be making its World Cup debut in 2026. With Canada, Mexico and the United States co-hosting the tournament,