Table of Contents
The wait is over. After years of build-up, the biggest World Cup in history begins today — and it begins exactly where so much football history has been written. Co-hosts Mexico open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET (1:00 PM local). It’s the first of 104 matches in the new 48-team era — and a remarkable rematch of the 2010 opening game.
Match Information
3 PM
Kickoff (ET)
Azteca
Mexico City
A
Group
#1
of 104 Matches
🏟️ A Stage Like No Other
Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium in history to host three World Cup openers (1970, 1986, and now 2026). It famously staged the 1970 and 1986 finals — tournaments defined by Pelé and Diego Maradona. Today, it writes a new chapter as the curtain-raiser for the first 48-team World Cup.
A Rematch 16 Years in the Making
This fixture carries an echo of history. The last time these two nations met at a World Cup, South Africa were the hosts and the date was June 11, 2010 — exactly 16 years ago to the day. That match produced one of the great opening goals, when Siphiwe Tshabalala thundered home for South Africa before Mexico legend Rafael Márquez equalized to settle it 1-1.
Now the roles are reversed. Mexico are the hosts, the Azteca is roaring, and South Africa arrive as underdogs hoping to spoil the party once again.
🎯 The Storyline You Might Have Missed
Both managers in today’s dugouts played at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Mexico’s Javier Aguirre started all five matches for El Tri that summer and assisted Manuel Negrete’s iconic volley against Bulgaria. South Africa’s Hugo Broos — then a Belgian international defender — played his final World Cup as a player on these same Mexican fields. Four decades later, they meet again as coaches.
Mexico: Hosts in Form, Chasing History
Javier Aguirre, in his third stint as Mexico boss and his third World Cup as a manager, has El Tri arriving in excellent shape. Mexico have been unbeaten across their last eight matches dating back to November 2025, a run that includes a goalless draw with Portugal, a 1-1 draw with Belgium, and a statement 5-1 win over Serbia in their final pre-tournament friendly. They also lifted both the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup.
Up front, veteran striker Raúl Jiménez — on the scoresheet against Serbia — is expected to lead the line. Defender César Montes is a genuine set-piece weapon, having scored three times (all from corners) at the 2025 Gold Cup. Captain Edson Álvarez is set to win his 99th international cap, while 17-year-old midfield sensation Gilberto Mora is pushing for involvement. In goal, 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa is chasing the chance to become the first player ever to feature at six World Cups, though he faces stiff competition from Raúl Rangel for the starting spot.
The weight of expectation is real. Mexico have been eliminated in the round of 16 at seven straight World Cups, and a generation of fans is desperate to finally see El Tri break that ceiling — on home soil, no less.
South Africa: Back on the Big Stage
For South Africa, simply being here is significant. Bafana Bafana are back at a World Cup for the first time since they hosted the 2010 edition. They’re part of a record 10 African nations at this tournament — the most ever.
Manager Hugo Broos, who has already announced he will depart after the tournament, is built on defensive structure and discipline. His side will likely sit deep and look to frustrate the hosts in a hostile Azteca atmosphere, then strike on the counter. Striker Lyle Foster is expected to spearhead the attack, while winger Oswin Appollis — directly involved in six goals during qualifying (two goals, four assists) — is the creative spark to watch.
Their preparation wasn’t smooth: visa issues delayed the arrival of several members of the travelling party, costing valuable time to acclimatize to the altitude of central Mexico. But Broos has made clear his team believes it can cause an upset.
📊 What the Analysts Say (Prediction, Not Fact)
Mexico enter as clear favorites. Opta’s supercomputer projected a Mexico win in roughly 67% of its pre-match simulations. Worth noting for the underdogs: none of South Africa’s nine all-time World Cup matches have ended goalless, and Mexico are unbeaten in their last seven World Cup opening games. These are projections and trends — the match will be decided on the pitch.
The Group A Picture
Group A features Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. With the top two from each group advancing automatically — plus the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups — a strong start matters enormously. For Mexico, a win in front of a sold-out Azteca would be the perfect launch. For South Africa, a result of any kind against the hosts would be a massive boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
📅 Follow Every Match of the Tournament
Track Group A and all 104 matches with our Schedule Navigator — filter by team, group, city, and date so you never miss a kickoff.
How to Watch
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM local time on Thursday, June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The opening ceremony precedes the match, beginning roughly 90 minutes before kickoff. In the United States, the tournament is broadcast in English on FOX networks and in Spanish on Telemundo. Check your local listings for region-specific coverage.
It all starts here.
One of football’s most iconic venues. Two managers returning to the scene of their playing days. A nation chasing history and an underdog dreaming of an upset. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could not ask for a more fitting first chapter.
Whoever you’re cheering for, savor it — the greatest World Cup ever begins now. ⚽🇲🇽🇿🇦
🏆 Think You Can Call the Champion?
The road to July 19 starts today. Map out the entire knockout path with our Bracket Predictor, and keep every fixture at your fingertips with the Schedule Navigator.
