How will weather and rain affect the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The venue hosted the 1986 World Cup final, in which Diego Maradona guided Argentina to its second World Cup title.

However, in 2026, Mexico will not be the only one hosting the tournament; the United States of America and Canada will also be co-hosts.

The US previously hosted the FIFA Club World Cup last year, which was affected by six matches due to rain or thunderstorms. That begs the question: Will weather come into play in Mexico versus South Africa?

Could rain affect the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico vs South Africa?

According to Battery weatherThere is an 85 percent chance of rain and a 51 percent chance of thunderstorms in Mexico City on June 11. However, showers are expected to subside before the match starts.

Could heat affect 2026 FIFA World Cup opener Mexico vs South Africa?

The temperature is expected to be around 25°C Climate Central predicts there is a 19 percent chance of heat harming players’ performance – an eight percent increase than normal due to climate change.

Published on June 11, 2026