If you’re anything like the millions of fans who bleed green, white, and red, you know that the question of when does mexico play soccer isn't just a casual inquiry. It’s a lifestyle. We are currently sitting in the dawn of 2026, which is basically the most important year in the history of Mexican football. Why? Because the World Cup is coming home. Or at least, to one of its three homes.
Right now, Javier Aguirre—who took the reins for his third stint with El Tri—is in the middle of a high-stakes laboratory experiment. He's trying to figure out which Liga MX veterans still have legs and which European-based stars can actually handle the pressure of an opening match at the Azteca.
Honestly, the schedule is packed. We aren't just talking about the big dance in June; there’s a whole gauntlet of friendlies and preparation matches before the world descends on North America.
The Immediate Schedule: Friendlies and Prep
Before we get to the World Cup, Mexico has a series of "Molero" games—though fans hope they’re more than just cash grabs this time. Aguirre needs to finalize his 26-man roster, and he’s using the early months of 2026 to do exactly that.
The first big dates on the calendar are just around the corner. On January 22, 2026, Mexico travels to face Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernández. It’s a classic Concacaf scrap. Three days later, on January 25, they’ll be in Bolivia. These games are mostly for domestic-based players to prove they belong in the backup spots.
The real test comes in the spring. Mark your calendars for February 25, 2026, when Mexico hosts Iceland at Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro. Then, the big one for the U.S.-based fans: Mexico takes on Belgium on March 31, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago. That game will be the final real look at the full European-based squad before the pre-World Cup camp officially begins.
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When Does Mexico Play Soccer in the 2026 World Cup?
This is what everyone is actually waiting for. As a co-host, Mexico didn’t have to sweat through qualifiers, but that’s a double-edged sword. They haven't played a truly "meaningful" competitive match in a while.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off on June 11, 2026, and guess who gets the honors? Mexico will play the opening match of the tournament at the legendary Estadio Azteca. It’s going to be emotional. It’s going to be loud. It’s going to be absolute chaos in Mexico City.
Group A Fixtures
Match 1: Mexico vs. South Africa
- Date: June 11, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Kickoff: 2:00 PM local time
- Note: This is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener. Let's hope for a better result than that 1-1 draw.
Match 2: Mexico vs. South Korea
- Date: June 18, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM local time
- Note: Playing in the heat of Guadalajara is no joke. The atmosphere at the Akron will be intense.
Match 3: Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner
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- Date: June 24, 2026
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM local time
- Note: This could be against a team like Denmark or the Czech Republic. It’ll likely decide who wins the group.
The Concacaf Nations League Factor
We can't ignore the regional bragging rights. While the World Cup is the priority, the 2025/26 Concacaf Nations League Finals are slated for March 2026. If Mexico advances through the earlier rounds, they’ll be looking to finally reclaim the trophy from the United States.
The rivalry is at an all-time high. Mexico lost the 2025 Gold Cup final to the U.S. in a heartbreaking 2-1 match last summer. Revenge is definitely on the menu for the spring window.
Tickets and Watching the Games
If you’re trying to get into the Azteca for the opener, good luck. Tickets for the Mexico vs. South Africa game are already seeing resale prices north of $3,000. It’s arguably the toughest ticket in sports right now.
For those watching from the couch, the broadcast rights are pretty settled. In the U.S., you'll find the games on FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish). In Mexico, Televisa (TUDN) and TV Azteca will be the homes for every single minute of El Tri's journey.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Different
This isn't a normal cycle. Usually, the team is traveling across continents. This year, they are staying home. Every group stage game is on Mexican soil. The travel fatigue that usually plagues teams in the World Cup shouldn't be an issue for Aguirre's men. They’ll be sleeping in their own beds, eating familiar food, and playing in front of 80,000+ people screaming for them.
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The pressure is massive. In 1970 and 1986—the two other times Mexico hosted—they reached the quarterfinals (the "Quinto Partido"). Anything less than that in 2026 will be seen as a national tragedy.
Summary of Key Dates
- January 22: vs. Panama (Away)
- January 25: vs. Bolivia (Away)
- February 25: vs. Iceland (Querétaro)
- March 31: vs. Belgium (Chicago)
- June 11: World Cup Opener vs. South Africa (Mexico City)
- June 18: World Cup Match 2 vs. South Korea (Guadalajara)
- June 24: World Cup Match 3 vs. UEFA Playoff Winner (Mexico City)
If Mexico wins Group A, their Round of 32 match would stay in Mexico City on June 30. If they finish second, they likely head to Los Angeles.
Keep an eye on the official FMF (Federación Mexicana de Fútbol) social channels for any last-minute "friendly" additions in May. Typically, they like to squeeze in one last send-off game in the U.S. before the tournament starts.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Download the FIFA+ App: It’s the only way to get real-time alerts for ticket drops and official schedule shifts.
- Book Your CDMX Accommodations Now: If you plan on being in Mexico City for the June 11 opener, hotels are already filling up or jacking up prices. Look at neighborhoods like Roma Norte or Condesa, but be ready to commute to the south of the city for the stadium.
- Verify Your Fan ID: For games in Mexico and the U.S., the "Fan ID" system is often mandatory. Get yours registered on the FMF website early to avoid stadium entry headaches.