2026 FIFA World Cup opening match times span four time zones
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 7, 2026, 3:25 PM
Last updated Jun 7, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday as Mexico hosts South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match is set for 3 p.m. Eastern Time, with local times varying due to the four time zones across the tournament's host cities. Teams will navigate different time zones, affecting travel and game routines. The United States has established a base camp in Irvine, California for logistics. The hosts include cities in Eastern, Central, and Pacific time zones, impacting their game scheduling.
- •2026 World Cup features 48 teams across 16 host cities.
- •Mexico and South Africa will compete in the opening match.
- •Match times vary due to U.S. Daylight Saving Time and Mexico's standard time.
- •United States established a base camp in Irvine to minimize travel.
- 3:25 PMCBS Sports — 2026 FIFA World Cup time zones: Here's what to know about kickoff times in USA, Mexico and Canada
"How will 48 teams navigate 16 host cities across three countries? Here is how the four distinct time zones will impact the biggest tournament in soccer history
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