The 2026 World Cup kicks off today — here’s what’s on, when, and what’s changed

⚽ It’s World Cup time. All eyes turn to the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City today, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico taking on South Africa at 10pm Cairo time on beIN Sports Max 1.

Tomorrow’s fixtures

South Korea faces the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 5am Cairo time, before Canada hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto at 10pm. Both matches air on beIN Sports Max 1.

Saturday’s fixtures

The United States takes on Paraguay in Los Angeles at 4am, while Qatar faces Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium at 10pm. Both games air on beIN Sports Max 1.

Sunday’s morning fixtures

Brazil meets Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium at 1am on beIN Sports Max 2. Haiti takes on Scotland in Boston at 4am on beIN Sports 1. Australia faces Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver at 7am on beIN Sports Max 2.

New tournament, new rules

Before the action gets underway, here’s a look at the most important new refereeing changes coming into force this tournament — all designed to cut down on time-wasting and on-pitch misconduct:

• No covering your mouth. Players will receive a straight red card for covering their mouth with their hand while speaking to an opponent. The rule targets racist incidents and verbal abuse;
• The five-second countdown. If a player or goalkeeper takes too long on a goal kick, the referee can begin a visible five-second countdown using their hand. If the ball is not played in time, the opposition is awarded a corner. The same rule applies to throw-ins;
• Get off the pitch. Any substituted player has only 10 seconds to leave the field. If they dawdle, the incoming substitute must wait until the next stoppage — at least a minute later — before entering. That leaves the team temporarily a man short. No more slow-walking to the tunnel;
• Injured? Off you go. The same logic applies to injured players receiving treatment on the pitch — they must leave and can return only after at least one minute of play has resumed. Goalkeepers are exempt;
• No theatrics. Players are banned from leaving the pitch in protest of a referee's decision — and those who do can be shown a straight red. Team officials who encourage players to walk off in protest risk being sent to the stands. A direct response to scenes at the recent Africa Cup of Nations final;
• More VAR. Referees will now use VAR to review decisions for the first time in a number of new situations: second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity, offensive fouls preceding freekicks or corners, and incorrectly awarded corners.