World Cup 2026 Latin America: When Each Team Plays and Where
LATIN AMERICA · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Latin America: Eight regional sides open within the tournament’s first week.
—First up: Mexico start the whole tournament against South Africa on June 11.
—Heavyweights: Brazil play on June 13, Argentina on June 16 and Colombia on June 17.
—Debut: Curaçao make history on June 14 against Germany.
—Where to watch: Matches air across the region on free-to-air channels and streaming.
From the host’s opener to a run of marquee kickoffs, the World Cup’s first week belongs in large part to Latin America — here is when each regional team starts and how to follow along.
World Cup 2026 Latin America kicks off this week
The host nation goes first, as Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca on June 11 to open the tournament. It is the very first match of an expanded 48-team World Cup.
A day later, Paraguay begin against the United States at the Los Angeles stadium on June 12. It is a tough draw against a co-host, but a marker of how far Paraguay have come.
Brazil and the Group E newcomers
Brazil open their bid for a sixth title against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13. It is the first big test for Carlo Ancelotti’s reshaped side.
On June 14, two regional stories share the day. Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup, debut against Germany in Houston, while Ecuador begin against Côte d’Ivoire in Philadelphia.
Both teams arrive with momentum, Ecuador on the back of a long unbeaten run. For Curaçao, simply reaching this stage is the achievement.
Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia follow
Uruguay get going against Saudi Arabia in Miami on June 15, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side fancied to advance. The Celeste then build toward a group decider with Spain in Guadalajara.
Defending champions Argentina open against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, in what is expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup. Colombia round out the regional openers against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on June 17.
Where to watch across the region
In Brazil, Globo and its pay-TV and streaming platforms carry the games, alongside other licensed broadcasters. Across Spanish-speaking Latin America, coverage is split between free-to-air channels and services such as DirecTV and Disney+.
In the United States, matches run on FOX networks in English and Telemundo in Spanish. Kick-off times and rights vary by country, so it is worth checking local listings.
Time zones add another wrinkle for fans following from afar. Games staged in the United States and Canada can fall late in the evening for viewers in South America.
A new-look, 48-team World Cup
This is the first World Cup with 48 teams, up from 32. They are split into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group joined by the eight best third-placed sides.
That feeds a new Round of 32 and a longer road to the trophy, with 104 matches in all. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York.
For Latin American fans, the larger field means more regional teams and more chances to advance. It also means a longer tournament to savour, running deep into July.
Following from afar: a few tips
Time zones are the first thing to plan around. Games staged in the United States and Canada can kick off late at night for viewers in South America.
Downloading an official schedule app helps with a packed calendar. In the host cities, free fan festivals in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey offer big screens for those without tickets.
Why it matters
Latin America arrives with one of its strongest contingents in years, spanning giants and first-timers. The opening week alone offers a snapshot of the region’s range and ambition.
For fans, the early fixtures are a chance to map out a month of late nights and shared screens. How these teams start will shape the mood across the region for weeks to come.
Each kickoff carries its own backstory, from a title defence to a maiden appearance. Together they turn the first week into a near-daily event for regional fans.
How to follow every Latin American side
With matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, kickoff times suit the Americas far better than a European or Asian World Cup. Most Latin American fixtures land in convenient afternoon and evening slots for the region.
Streaming and broadcast rights vary by country, so check your local rightsholder before kickoff. A single subscription rarely covers every game.
Time zones finally favour the region
A World Cup hosted in the Americas means no pre-dawn kickoffs for fans from Mexico to Argentina. Games slot into the working day and evening rather than the small hours.
That convenience tends to lift viewership and bar trade across the region. For once, the schedule is on the home continent’s side.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mexico play in the World Cup 2026?
Mexico open the entire tournament against South Africa at the Azteca on June 11. Kick-off times are confirmed on FIFA’s official schedule.
When do Brazil and Argentina start?
Brazil begin against Morocco on June 13, and Argentina open against Algeria on June 16. Both are among the favourites for the title.
How many Latin American teams are at the World Cup?
This guide tracks eight regional sides, from Mexico and Brazil to debutants Curaçao. Several Concacaf and South American nations are involved across the groups.
Where can I watch the games in Latin America?
Coverage runs on a mix of free-to-air channels and streaming services that vary by country. Checking local listings is the safest way to find each match.
How does the 2026 World Cup format work?
The 48 teams play in 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advancing. That creates a Round of 32 and a total of 104 matches.
Connected Coverage
World Cup 2026 Opener: Mexico Meets South Africa at the Azteca
World Cup 2026 Colombia: Base in Guadalajara, Opener at Azteca
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