Test your World Cup 2026 opener knowledge with this quiz

The World Cup 2026 begins Thursday as Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City at 20:00 BST.

Tournament kickoff details The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday with a match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, starting at 20:00 BST. The opening fixture marks the official beginning of the global tournament. Fans can tune in to watch the hosts take on their African opponents. This first game sets the stage for weeks of high-stakes football ahead. ## Quiz on past opening matches With the tournament’s start just around the corner, now is the perfect time to assess your memory of previous opening games. The World Cup has a rich history of dramatic and surprising first matches that set the tone for each edition. How well do you recall these iconic moments? Put your knowledge to the test with a series of challenges designed to challenge even the most dedicated fans. ## Team identity challenge Which World Cup team best matches your personality? Take the quiz to find out which national side reflects your traits. The interactive challenge asks questions about your preferences and playing style. After answering, you’ll receive a result linking you to a team. It’s a fun way to engage with the tournament before the action begins. ## Host nation trivia Can you name every nation that has ever hosted the World Cup? Test your historical knowledge with this quiz focused solely on past and future hosts. From the inaugural tournament to upcoming editions, the challenge covers all editions through 2026. See how many you can get right without looking it up. ## England squad identification Can you name every player in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup? The quiz challenges you to recall the full 26-man roster selected for the tournament. Each player’s name must be matched correctly to pass the test. It’s a tough but rewarding challenge for Three Lions supporters. ## Scotland squad challenge Name every player in Scotland’s squad for the 2026 World Cup with this focused quiz. The test covers the full list of players called up by the national team. Each correct answer brings you closer to mastering the Scotland roster. It’s a great way to prepare for the Tartan Army’s campaign. ## More who am I quizzes available All the ‘Who Am I?’ quizzes from previous weeks have been gathered in one place for easy access. These personality-based challenges let you discover which football legends or current stars match your traits. Each quiz uses clues to help you guess the correct answer. Browse the collection to try them all before kickoff.