The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match, a remarkable replay of the tournament's very first game from the 2010 edition, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg. This match marks the start of a 39-day tournament featuring 104 games across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making it the biggest World Cup in history.
Mexico's Form and Squad
Mexico arrive in fine form under coach Javier Aguirre. The team has not lost in eight games in 2026, including impressive draws against Belgium and Portugal in March and warm-up wins over Australia (1-0) and Serbia (5-1). Mexico swept through CONCACAF in 2025, winning both the Nations League and the Gold Cup. The squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez, and Edson Alvarez leading the charge.
South Africa's Return
South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, opening against the same opponents at the same stage, 16 years later. Belgian coach Hugo Broos, in his final managerial role before retirement, guided South Africa to fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before spearheading their World Cup qualification campaign. The team is disciplined but faces a tough challenge against the hosts.
Match Details
- Date and Time: The match kicks off at 12:30 AM IST (India Standard Time).
- Venue: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making history as the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches (1970, 1986, and 2026).
Predicted Lineups
Mexico (4-1-4-1): Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.
Head-to-Head Record
Thursday's World Cup opener will be only the fifth meeting between Mexico and South Africa. Mexico have won twice, South Africa once, and one match ended in a draw.
Squad News
Mexico 26-Man Squad (Coach: Javier Aguirre): Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa. Defenders: Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Mateo Chavez. Midfielders: Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutierrez, Orbelin Pineda, Edson Alvarez (C), Gilberto Mora, Cesar Huerta, Alvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chavez. Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julian Quinones, Santiago Gimenez, Guillermo Martinez, Armando Gonzalez, Raul Jimenez.
South Africa 26-Man Squad (Coach: Hugo Broos): Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (C), Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine. Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole. Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane.
Match Prediction
Mexico are predicted to win 2-0. The hosts carry superior quality, a strong attacking line, and the roaring support of a home crowd at the iconic Azteca. South Africa will be disciplined but ultimately lack the firepower to contain El Tri on their own patch.
Where to Watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be streamed live on the ZEE5 website and app, and telecast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Fans in India can watch the Mexico vs South Africa match on these platforms.
