The four-year wait is officially over. At the stroke of midnight tonight, the biggest sporting spectacle on Earth—the FIFA World Cup 2026—will finally get underway. For football fans across Nepal, it is time to stock up on coffee and brace for a month of sleepless nights as 48 nations prepare to battle for ultimate global glory across North America.
The tournament begins tonight with the opening ceremony at the historic Mexico City Stadium, followed immediately by the high-stakes opening match where co-hosts Mexico will face off against South Africa.
Kickoff Details: Nepal Standard Time (NST)
Because of the time difference between Nepal and the host cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament’s schedule falls directly into late-night and early-morning windows for local viewers.
Here is exactly when you need to be in front of your screens tonight:
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Opening Ceremony: Starts tonight, Thursday, June 11, at 11:15 PM NST.
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Opening Match (Mexico vs. South Africa): Kicks off just after midnight, technically Friday, June 12, at 12:45 AM NST.
A Historic Tournament of “Firsts”
The 2026 edition is already breaking records before a single ball has even been kicked. It marks the first time the World Cup is being co-hosted by three separate nations. More significantly, the tournament has expanded from its traditional 32-team format to include 48 nations for the first time in football history.
This expansion means a massive total of 104 matches will be played over the next 39 days, culminating in the World Cup Final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Where to Watch Live in Nepal
Domestic broadcasting networks have completely upgraded their digital infrastructure to handle the massive traffic expected over the next month. Nepali fans can catch every single match live via two primary official options:
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Television: Himalaya Sports TV will be broadcasting high-definition live feeds of the games with local commentary and post-match analysis panels.
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Digital Streaming: For those watching on phones, laptops, or smart TVs, the DIGO App has secured the exclusive digital streaming rights across Nepal, offering both live games and instant on-demand match highlights.
Set your alarms, dust off your favorite team jerseys, and get ready—the greatest show on Earth starts this midnight!