When does FIFA World Cup 2026 start?

FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on 11 June 2026 with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Banorte (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City. The opener kicks off at 20:00 SAST (12:00 local Mexico time). The final is on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.

How many matches are at World Cup 2026?

World Cup 2026 has 104 matches, 72 group-stage, 16 round-of-32, 8 round-of-16, 4 quarter-finals, 2 semi-finals, 1 third-place playoff and the final. The expanded 48-team format replaces the 32-team / 64-match format used at every World Cup from 1998 to 2022.

Which countries host the 2026 World Cup?

Three host nations across 16 host cities: USA (11, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay, Seattle), Mexico (3, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara) and Canada (2, Toronto, Vancouver). The opener is in Mexico, the final is in the USA.

Has Bafana Bafana qualified for World Cup 2026?

Yes, South Africa qualified through the CAF (African) qualifying section and were drawn into Group A alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. Bafana Bafana's first match is the tournament opener against Mexico on 11 June 2026, 20:00 SAST. It is South Africa's first World Cup since 2010 (when they hosted).

Where can South Africans bet legally on the World Cup?

Sports betting is legal in South Africa under the National Gambling Act 2004 and the licences issued by provincial regulators (Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, KZN Gaming and Betting Board, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, etc.). The four SA-licensed sportsbooks Edges recommends for the tournament are Sportingbet, Hollywoodbets, Betway and Supabets, full ranking with reasoning at /best-sites/. You must be 18 or older. NRGP helpline 0800 006 008.

How does the 48-team World Cup format work?

Twelve groups of four (A–L). Top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a round of 32. Knockouts run R32 → R16 → QF → SF → 3rd-place + Final. 104 matches, 32 teams reach the knockouts, 1 winner. Full explainer at /world-cup-2026/format/.

fifa world cup 2026 · the south african guide

FIFA World Cup 2026.

48 teams. 12 groups. 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Bafana Bafana open against Mexico at Estadio Banorte (Azteca) on 11 June at 20:00 SAST. The Edges desk runs one pick per fixture, with the best price across SA-licensed sportsbooks next to it. 104 matches. One tournament. One desk.

from the desk · Sipho Khumalo Editor & Lead Analyst edited by Thandi Naidoo

explore the tournament

Eight ways into the World Cup.

From the SAST fixtures table to the host-city stadium tour, the outright odds compare to the Bafana group route, every WC2026 page on Edges is one tap from here.

the opener · 11 june 2026 · 20:00 sast

Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Banorte.

The third FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca (after 1970 and 1986). 83,000 capacity at altitude. South Africa's first World Cup match since 2010, the desk's pick, the best SA price and the slip-pre-loaded sportsbook all live on the fixture page.

See every match →

legal in SA

Yes, sports betting is legal in South Africa.

Online sports betting is licensed under the National Gambling Act 2004 via the provincial gambling boards (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West). Online casino remains illegal under the Supreme Court of Appeal's 2024 ruling. Every operator featured on Edges holds a verified provincial bookmaker licence. Min age 18. NRGP helpline 0800 006 008.