The wait is finally over as the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, kicks off this Thursday night (12:45pm). In a striking twist of fate, hosts Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match at the Mexico City Stadium—exactly 16 years after the two teams opened the 2010 World Cup together. Back then, South Africa was the host; now, they travel to Mexican soil for this highly anticipated rematch, which will be officiated by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio. Group A also features South Korea and the Czech Republic, who will compete at 7:45 am on Friday.
Mexico’s experienced manager, Javier Aguirre, emphasized the powerful advantage of playing on home soil, calling it an unforgettable milestone in his 50-year football career. Meanwhile, South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, acknowledged Mexico as the strongest team in the group but assured fans that his squad is fully prepared to fight for every ball across the entire 90 minutes.
Making their 18th World Cup appearance, Mexico aims to progress past the quarterfinals—a feat they have never achieved. Historically, their best performances came during the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, both of which they hosted. After a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Aguirre’s men are determined to leverage their passionate home crowd to make history this year.
After failing to qualify for the tournament since they hosted it in 2010, South Africa returns to the world stage after a 16-year absence. Under the guidance of Hugo Broos, who took over in 2021, the team has been revitalized with talented young debutants. Having secured a third-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Broos's primary objective now is to guide South Africa
Heading into the opening match, the two teams find themselves in completely contrasting form. Mexico remains undefeated in their last five matches of 2026, boasting three wins and two draws. On the other hand, South Africa is currently on a winless streak this year, recording three draws and two defeats.
This opening match will mark the fourth historic encounter between the two nations. Their head-to-head record is perfectly balanced, with Mexico winning 4–2 in 2000, South Africa winning 2–1 in 2005, and their memorable 2010 World Cup opener ending in a 1–1 draw.
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