Mexico and South Africa open historic World Cup 2026

Mexico and South Africa will get World Cup 2026 under way in Mexico City, with the hosts hoping to make the most of home advantage in the tournament’s first match.

The 2026 finals are the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The scale of the event, along with a new generation of players, has drawn attention well before kick-off.

Mexico enter the opener with strong local support expected inside the stadium, while South Africa arrive aiming to upset one of the three hosts and make a positive start to the group stage.

The fixture also revives a memorable World Cup meeting. The sides drew 1-1 in the opening game of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, a match remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal.

Sixteen years on, they meet again in the first game of football’s biggest event, with both teams looking to set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Mexico: Rangel, Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, Reyes, Gutierrez, Lira, Fidelgo, Quinones, Alvarado, Jimenez.

South Africa: Williams, Modau, Okon, Mbekazi, Modiba, Mokoena, Sitole, Mbatha, Moremi, Foster, Apolis.