FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico vs South Africa

History will be made when Mexico and South Africa face off in the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, marking the first time the tournament’s curtain-raiser has featured a repeat fixture from a previous edition.

The encounter comes exactly 16 years after the two nations played out a memorable 1-1 draw in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic strike sent South Africa into celebration before Rafael Márquez salvaged a point for Mexico.

This time, the stage shifts to Mexico City and the iconic Estadio Azteca, where the hosts will be looking to make a strong start to their latest World Cup campaign.

Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time).

The match will be screened live on SABC and SuperSport.

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Mexico Eye Fast Start

Mexico enter the tournament as favourites to top Group A and will be buoyed by an impressive recent run of form.

El Tri are unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning six and drawing two, while their defence has been particularly solid, recording six clean sheets during that stretch.

The hosts also boast an impressive record in World Cup openers, having gone unbeaten in their last seven tournament curtain-raisers since 1994, winning five and drawing two.

Mexico’s record at Estadio Azteca during World Cups is equally formidable.

They have never lost a World Cup match at the famous venue, winning five and drawing two of their seven games there.

Despite being one of the most consistent teams in World Cup history, Mexico still hold the unwanted record of having played more matches at the tournament than any other nation without lifting the trophy, with 60 appearances to date.

Bafana Bafana Aim to Make History

For South Africa, the tournament presents an opportunity to achieve something they have never done before – reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana are making their fourth appearance at the global showpiece and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Coach Hugo Broos guided South Africa to the World Cup by topping their qualification group ahead of Nigeria, with his side trailing in only one of their 10 qualifying matches.

However, recent form has been less encouraging.

South Africa arrive in North America having failed to win any of their last five matches, recording three draws and two defeats.

Broos will be hoping his side can rediscover the defensive resilience that underpinned their successful qualifying campaign.

Head-to-Head

Mexico won the first two meetings between the nations, but have failed to win either of the last two encounters against South Africa.

The most famous meeting remains the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Players to Watch

Defender Johan Vásquez could provide an unexpected attacking threat for Mexico. The centre-back has scored three goals in his last three appearances for club and country, twice opening the scoring for El Tri.

For South Africa, much of the creative responsibility is expected to fall on Oswin Appollis. The winger was directly involved in six goals during Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists – twice as many goal involvements as any of his teammates.

Key Stats

• Mexico are unbeaten in seven World Cup matches played at Estadio Azteca (W5, D2).
• Mexico have led at half-time in five of their last six matches.
• None of South Africa’s nine previous World Cup matches have ended goalless.
• Both teams have scored in five of South Africa’s last six fixtures.
• Neither side reported any fresh injury concerns following their final warm-up matches.

With history, expectation and the honour of opening the 2026 World Cup all at stake, both Mexico and South Africa will be eager to begin their campaigns on a positive note in what promises to be a fascinating rematch of one of the tournament’s most memorable opening fixtures.

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Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures

• Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time)
• Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time)
• Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)