The biggest FIFA World Cup in history gets underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in the opening match of the expanded 48-team tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The match marks a symbolic start to the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. It also revives memories of the 2010 World Cup opener, when Mexico and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
Mexico arrive with confidence after winning the Gold Cup last year and will be backed by a passionate home crowd as they begin their Group A campaign. Under veteran coach Javier Aguirre, El Tri are aiming to continue their impressive record of avoiding defeat in their opening World Cup match since 1994.
The hosts are considered favourites to advance from a group that also includes South Korea and Czech Republic, but Aguirre has warned against underestimating South Africa.
South Africa enter the tournament as one of the outsiders in the group but will be hoping to make an early statement. The Bafana Bafana have built a reputation for producing surprises on the international stage, and a positive result against the hosts could transform their World Cup campaign from the outset.
With millions watching around the world, both teams have the opportunity to make history in the first match of football’s largest-ever global tournament.
Probable lineups
Mexico: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Quinones, Fidalgo, Alvarado, Mora; Jimenez.
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Modiba; Adams, Sithole, Mokoena; Mokofeng, Appollis; Foster.
The spotlight will be firmly on Estadio Azteca as Mexico seek a dream start on home soil, while South Africa look to spring the first surprise of World Cup 2026.
