Soccer-Mexico to kick off 2026 World Cup against South Africa, US get dream draw


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw - John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., U.S. - December 5, 2025 Media personnel are seen queuing outside the John F. Kennedy Center ahead the FIFA World Cup draw REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a playoff winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.

Mexico's co-hosts the United States and Canada will join the biggest-ever World Cup party the following day. The U.S., courtesy of their top seeding, got a dream draw and will play Paraguay, Australia and a playoff winner.

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