Mexico vs South Africa: 2026 World Cup opener – head-to-head, time, lineups
Manasi Pathak
The 2026 World Cup kicks off with a Group A rematch between co-host Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. The two teams previously met in the 2010 tournament opener, drawing 1-1. Mexico are favourites, but South Africa hope to repeat their upset from 16 years ago.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday with a Group A clash between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (kick-off 19:00 GMT / 13:00 local). This marks the second time the two nations have met in a World Cup opener, following a 1-1 draw at the 2010 tournament in South Africa – the first World Cup held on African soil.
Around 80,000 fans are expected to attend the match. The opening ceremony will take place 90 minutes before kick-off, featuring performances by Shakira, J Balvin and Tyla.
Hosts Mexico: This is Mexico’s 17th World Cup appearance. The Estadio Azteca will make history as the first stadium to host three World Cup openers (1960, 1986 and 2026). Mexico enter the tournament on an eight-match unbeaten run, equalling their record ahead of a World Cup. With home advantage and a higher FIFA ranking (14th vs South Africa’s 60th), Javier Aguirre’s side are favourites – but the pressure to start with a win is intense.
Visitors South Africa: South Africa return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, making only their fourth appearance. Coach Hugo Broos believes his team can cause an upset: “For us, this will be a fantastic experience. The key is to stick to our game plan and not be swayed by what happens in the stands.” Their preparations were disrupted by visa issues that delayed some squad members, hampering adaptation to conditions in central Mexico. Still, Bafana Bafana hope to frustrate the hosts as they did in 2010.
Format: The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, with 40 more matches than in 2022, played over 39 days. Group A consists of Mexico, South Africa, Czech Republic and South Korea. The top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the round of 32.
Head-to-head: This is the fifth meeting between the sides. Mexico have two wins, South Africa one, and there has been one draw. Their most recent encounter was the 2010 World Cup opener, where Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a spectacular opening goal for South Africa, but Rafael Marquez equalised for Mexico, sealing a 1-1 draw in front of 84,490 fans in Johannesburg.
Recent form (last five matches, most recent first):
- Mexico: W - W - W - D - D
- South Africa: D - D - L - D - L
Mexico won three consecutive pre-tournament friendlies against Ghana, Australia and Serbia. South Africa are winless in their last three friendlies: draws with Jamaica and Nicaragua, and a loss to Panama.
Expected lineups:
Mexico: Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.
Follow the latest updates, live commentary and standings via Al Jazeera’s FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
