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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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The opening weekend of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring a mix of summer heat, humidity, and storm risks across North America, with conditions varying widely from thunderstorms in Mexico City to intense Texas heat.
Mexico vs. South Africa
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The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico vs. South Africa at 3 pm (ET) at the Mexico City Stadium.
The opener could be impacted by unsettled weather, with broken intervals and occasional rain or thunderstorms expected in the afternoon, according to Accuweather forecasts.
Temperatures are set to hover around 69 F, with a high, 80 percent chance of rain, raising the possibility of wet conditions affecting both the opening ceremony and match.
South Korea vs. Czechia
Later on Thursday evening, South Korea faces Czechia at 10 pm (ET) at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico.
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Conditions are expected to be more stable, though still slightly unsettled, with mostly cloudy skies and a chance of showers nearby. Temperatures will sit around 71 F, with a 14 to 36 percent chance of rain at kickoff.
Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
On Friday, June 12, the action shifts to Canada and the United States. Canada takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina at 3 pm (ET) at BMO Field in Toronto, where conditions should improve after earlier rain. Accuweather forecasts show partly sunny skies with temperatures between 79 F and 81 F, offering relatively comfortable playing conditions.
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United States vs. Paraguay
On Friday evening, the United States faces Paraguay at 9 pm (ET) at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting that fans can expect partly cloudy to mostly clear skies, with cooler temperatures between 63 F and 70 F and no meaningful chance of rain, providing one of the most stable weather setups of the opening days.
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Qatar vs. Switzerland
Saturday, June 13, is expected to bring rising temperatures across several venues.
Qatar takes on Switzerland at 3 pm (ET) at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, under clear, sunny skies, with temperatures climbing into the mid-to-upper 80s and a zero percent chance of rain, according to the NWS—conditions that could test players in the afternoon heat.
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Brazil vs. Morocco
Later on Saturday, Brazil faces Morocco at 6 pm (ET) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The NWS is forecasting that the match will be played under mostly sunny and clear skies, with mid-80s temperatures and a low risk of rain.
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Haiti vs. Scotland
Friday concludes with Haiti vs. Scotland at 9 pm (ET) at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The NWS has predicted that conditions will be far cooler, with mostly clear skies and temperatures in the low 60s, offering one of the most comfortable environments of the weekend.
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Australia vs. Türkiye
Sunday. June 14, begins just after midnight (ET) when Australia face Türkiye at BC Place in Vancouver. Accuweather believes that overnight conditions are expected to be clear to partly cloudy, with temperatures around 60-61 F and a 0 percent chance of rain, creating a mild and calm setting.
Daytime matches, however, bring more extreme conditions.
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Germany vs. Curaçao
Germany faces Curaçao at 1 pm (ET) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, where the NWS has forecasted that it will be mostly sunny with increasing clouds. Temperatures will reach around 91-92 F, with a 30 to 60 percent chance of rain as thunderstorms are likely to develop later in the afternoon, alongside high heat stress.
The stadium has a retractable roof that can be closed in adverse weather conditions.
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Netherlands vs. Japan
The final match of the opening weekend sees the Netherlands take on Japan at 4 pm (ET) at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The NWS expects conditions to be mostly sunny, with some cloud cover, with temperatures rising to 94-97 F. There is also a 30 to 40 percent chance of rain, meaning both heat and potential storms could play a role.
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A Weekend of Contrasts
Overall, the opening weekend highlights the broad range of climates across host cities—from cool, clear conditions in Vancouver and Massachusetts to heavy rain threats in Mexico City and extreme heat in Texas—showing just how quickly the weather could become an early storyline in the 2026 tournament.
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