World Cup 2026 Kicks Off as Mexico Renew Rivalry With South Africa

The biggest FIFA World Cup in history gets underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 tournament at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The highly anticipated clash is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, when host nation South Africa and Mexico played out a memorable 1-1 draw. On that occasion, Siphiwe Tshabalala etched his name into football history with a stunning goal before Rafael Marquez equalised for El Tri.

More than 80,000 fans are expected to pack the historic stadium for the curtain-raiser, which will officially launch a 39-day football festival spanning three countries and featuring a record 48 teams.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest ever staged, expanding from 32 to 48 nations and from 64 to 104 matches. It is also the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for FIFA competition purposes, is making history as the first venue ever to host three World Cup opening matches, having previously staged tournament openers in 1970 and 1986. FIFA describes the stadium as one of world football’s most iconic arenas and a symbol of the sport’s rich history.

Ahead of kick-off, fans will be treated to a star-studded opening ceremony featuring global music stars, including Colombian singer Shakira, Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy, Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla.

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Mexico enter the tournament as favourites to claim victory in the opening game. Javier Aguirre’s side enjoy home advantage, boast a significantly higher FIFA ranking than South Africa and arrive at the tournament on the back of an impressive unbeaten run.

The hosts have not lost any of their last eight matches and are hoping to make a strong start in front of a passionate home crowd. However, history presents an unusual challenge. Despite featuring in seven previous World Cup opening matches, Mexico have never won a tournament opener, a record Aguirre hopes to end on home soil.

Speaking ahead of the game, the veteran coach reflected on the emotional significance of another World Cup in Mexico.

“It is impossible not to feel emotions. Playing a World Cup at home is unique, but we must stay calm and focus on the football,” Aguirre said.

South Africa, meanwhile, arrive in Mexico determined to upset the hosts and make a statement in Group A. Coach Hugo Broos revealed that his team arrived early to adapt to Mexico City’s high altitude and challenging conditions.

“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos said.

“It is very important that we keep ourselves to the game plan and don’t listen to what is happening in the stands.”

The Belgian tactician acknowledged the quality of the Mexican side but insisted his players were ready for the challenge.

South Africa captain Teboho Mokoena also urged his teammates to embrace the occasion and compete without fear as Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup stage.

The opening fixture marks the beginning of a tournament that will stretch across 16 cities and 16 stadiums in North America. Although the event is being co-hosted by three nations, the United States will stage 78 matches, while Canada and Mexico will host 13 games each.

Most of the tournament’s biggest matches, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, will be played in the United States, with the championship match scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Other opening-week fixtures include Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States versus Paraguay, Brazil against Morocco, Germany against Curacao and England’s clash with Croatia.

The new tournament format will see the top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance to the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams. It marks the first time a Round of 32 phase has been included in a FIFA World Cup.

Financially, the tournament is also expected to break records. FIFA has confirmed a total prize pool of $871 million, the largest in World Cup history. The winners will receive $50 million, while all participating teams are guaranteed significant financial rewards.

FIFA projects that the expanded tournament will generate unprecedented revenues, making the 2026 World Cup the most lucrative sporting event ever staged. Football’s governing body expects billions of dollars in commercial income from broadcasting, sponsorships and ticket sales as the tournament unfolds across North America.

With billions of viewers expected to tune in worldwide, all eyes will be on Mexico City as football’s greatest spectacle begins another historic chapter.

World Cup 2026 Kicks Off as Mexico Renew Rivalry With South Africa