Match Previews
World Cup 2026 — Group Stage Outlook
Which group has the toughest path, which is the upset incubator, and where Japan, USA, England, and Brazil sit at kickoff.
Estadio Azteca opens the 2026 tournament on June 12. Here's the storyline, the form guide, and the kickoff time wherever you watch.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.Affiliate disclosure
Which group has the toughest path, which is the upset incubator, and where Japan, USA, England, and Brazil sit at kickoff.
New 48-team format adds a Round of 32 before the traditional Round of 16. Knockout schedule (Jun 29 - Jul 20), path-to-final analysis, top contenders, dark horses, and Japan's hypothetical run.
Complete World Cup 2026 schedule with kickoff times auto-adjusted to your timezone. All 48 nations, 12 groups, knockout bracket, plus how to subscribe via Google / Apple / Outlook calendar.
Japan's road to World Cup 2026: full Group F schedule (Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden), key players to watch, and the Samurai Blue's pursuit of a first quarterfinal.
Region-by-region World Cup 2026 broadcast guide: Fox + Telemundo (US), BBC + ITV (UK), TSN (Canada), Optus + SBS (Australia), and more. VPN options for fans abroad.
学生限定の年一括プラン。年 16,000 円、月割換算で実質 1,333 円。
2026/7/20 までの加入で最初の 3 ヶ月が月 980 円。初年度総額 26,340 円。サッカー特化プランで W杯 2026 全 104 試合 + Jリーグ + 欧州主要リーグを網羅。
2026/4/21〜8/30 期間限定加入のサッカー特化プラン。月 2,600 円、年総額 31,200 円。
DAZN 通常プラン。月 4,200 円。サッカー以外のスポーツも視聴したい人向け。
年一括 32,000 円。月割換算で実質 2,667 円。
ABEMA とまとめて契約できる DAZN プラン。月 3,800 円 (2026/1/30 料金改定)。
年一括 30,000 円。月割換算で実質 2,500 円。
DMM プレミアム同梱で月 3,480 円。DMM のアニメ・映画も見放題に。
ドコモ料金プラン契約者は月 6 円で DAZN 見放題。
au 料金プラン契約者は 0 円で DAZN 見放題。
現地観戦で USA / メキシコ / カナダに行った日本人向け。日本サーバー経由で DAZN・NHK 配信を視聴可能。
Group-by-group preview of the 2026 World Cup draw. 12 groups, top-2 + 8 best third-place teams advance. Group of death analysis and deep coverage of Group F (Japan, Netherlands, Tunisia, Sweden).
Subscribe to a live World Cup 2026 calendar feed that auto-updates when fixtures shift. Step-by-step setup for Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook.
Mexico vs the opening opponent kicks off World Cup 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on June 12, 2026 at 11:00 local time (20:00 in Mexico). It's the first match of a 48-team tournament that runs through July 19. The opener is symbolic — Mexico City was the first city ever to host a World Cup final twice (1970, 1986), and Azteca is the only stadium to host a final twice.
| Date | June 12, 2026 (Friday) |
| Time | 11:00 CDT local → 02:00 JST Saturday morning |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) |
| Capacity | ~83,000 |
| Altitude | 2,240 m (a major factor in this venue's history) |
| Opening opponent | TBA after Dec 5 2025 draw |
Azteca is at 2,240 metres — visiting teams routinely complain about ball flight, stamina, and recovery. Mexico's competitive home record at altitude is one of the most decisive in football: 17 consecutive home World Cup qualifier wins (counting all-time at Azteca).
First match of a tournament typically yields a cagey 0-0 or 1-0 result. Coaches play not to lose. Mexico under Javier Aguirre (back for his third spell) will sit deep, prioritising defensive shape.
Mexico has been knocked out in the R16 of seven consecutive World Cups (1994-2018, then GS in 2022). The "fifth match" curse. Host advantage + an easier draw means the breakthrough is finally plausible.
FIFA hosts a 20-30 minute opening ceremony before kickoff — expect Mexican cultural acts, indigenous music, and a tribute to the 1970/1986 finals.
As host nation, automatic. Stage matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
| Year | Famous match |
|---|---|
| 1970 | Brazil 4-1 Italy (Pelé's last final) |
| 1986 | Maradona's "Hand of God" + "Goal of the Century" (QF vs England) |
| 1986 | Argentina 3-2 West Germany (final) |
| 2026 | Opening match + 6 group matches + 1 R16 |
Azteca is the only stadium to host two World Cup finals. The 2026 match adds another chapter.
Subscribe once. Every match syncs to Google, Apple, and Outlook automatically — no manual updates needed.
Subscribe to the World Cup 2026 calendar feed — the opening match auto-syncs with your phone calendar in JST.
| Channel | Coverage |
|---|---|
| NHK | Live (terrestrial) |
| NHK BS4K | 4K simulcast |
| DAZN | Highlights + post-match analysis |
JST kickoff: 02:00 Saturday June 13. Set an alarm — or record and watch with breakfast.
Q. Why is the opening match always the host nation's first match? A. FIFA tradition since 1974 (the host nation opened, except in 2002 when France was defending champions and Senegal opened). Marketing + national-television priority.
Q. Is Estadio Azteca renovated for 2026? A. Yes — $200M+ renovation completed in 2025. Hospitality boxes, pitch surface, and lighting upgraded; capacity reduced from 87,000 → 83,000 for safety upgrades.
Q. Will Mexico face a top opponent in the opener? A. Likely NOT — FIFA typically gives the host an easier opener. The opener opponent is usually a Pot 4 team (lower-seeded). Confirmed after the Dec 5 2025 draw.
Q. Does Mexico finally have a chance to reach QF? A. Probably. Host effect + favorable draw + the long-overdue tactical maturity makes 2026 the most realistic shot. Estimated probability: 50%.