WASHINGTON - 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 Dec 5.

Mexico’s co-hosts the United States and Canada will join the biggest-ever World Cup party the following day.

The US, courtesy of their top seeding, got a dream draw and will play Paraguay, Australia and a playoff winner.