Mexico vs South Africa Live: World Cup 2026 Opening Match at the Azteca
It has finally come to a point in time where we can finally wait no longer. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is now officially underway. On June 11, Mexico and South Africa walked out at legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to kick off the biggest World Cup in football history. This was the opening game.
But what about the fact that this opener is even more special? Read below.
The Historic Connection
It is the exact opposite of the 2010 World Cup opener, when SA was at home to Mexico in their first match. Siphiwe netted one of the cup opening day highlights. Just before. Mexico’s great legend Rafael scored to level the score. Worth noting, the match also began on June 11, the same date, but 16 years ago.
It is the first time in the tournament’s history that there has been a repeat of an opening game. This opener has a lot of elements for a good start to the tournament.
Match Details
The two teams to face off in the opening round are Mexico and South Africa.
- Stage: FIFA World Cup Group A
- Date: Thursday, June 11
- Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
- Mexico: Hosts With a Point to Prove
Mexico qualified automatically as co hosts without having to play any competition last year and was limited to the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup. which it won. They are unbeaten in eight of their last ten games, including a 0-0 draw with Portugal, a 1-1 draw with Belgium and a 5-1 thrashing of Serbia. To sum up, El Tri are in form, in front of their own fans and have strong squad depth.
The attention before the match has primarily been on Raúl Jiménez. As he netted the blitz of Serbia. Defender César Montes is another to keep an eye on. He also netted his three goals from corners at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
But it’s not as if manager Javier Aguirre has had to do his job a third time in Mexico. He was also the coach in 2010 when these two sides drew. He’ll be aiming to get past both the Round of 16 defeats from 2002 and 2010 in his third World Cup.
South Africa Set to Take on the Top
SA’s path to the World Cup was anything but smooth. They earned three points deduction on the field for their ineligible player in qualification. Then bounced back impressively to put them in second place.
But recent form comes into question. Bafana have been coming off two flat scorelines against Nicaragua and Jamaica at their two warm-up games, leaving coach Hugo Broos frustrated.
However, South Africa is not to be underestimated. Therefore, one can only imagine that they’ll keep coming and challenge Mexico.
Why is Azteca Extra Special?
Azteca is the first stadium in World Cup history with three opening games. It has previously seen the 1970 and 1986 tournaments. Both of which had legendary status.
Apart from that, the World Cup day at the Azteca is truly unique in football. Add to that a highly vocal home crowd, and the pressure is on South Africa from the opening whistle for the win.
What’s for Both Teams
It’s about 3 points for Mexico. It is a huge challenge as a co-host nation, especially when playing in front of a home crowd and early in the tournament. The first good grade is the one that will give the rest of Group A a good start.
A milestone for South Africa is qualifying by itself. This is their first World Cup since when they hosted in 2010. Moreover, they haven’t reached the knockout round ever. Whatever they do, there’s something on the line come the whistle.
Key Players to Watch
- Raúl Jiménez (Mexico). All-rounder scoring threat who had been in good form, with tournament opener form, and experienced striker
- César Montes (Mexico). Aerial threat from set pieces, to score three goals in 2025 Gold Cup.
- South African Lyle Foster. South Africa’s main attacking threat up front
- Oswin Appollis (South Africa). Vigor and speed on the wing, in qualifiers
Feel free to follow every kick on Starexch. This is just the first match of the series. There is a lot of football still left to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule, as there are still 104 games to play in 39 days.
Try Starexch to get live match updates, real-time scores, Group A standings and full fixture coverage all the way till the last on 19th July. From the group stage up to the knockout, Starexch has you covered for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Your kicks don’t miss out on any action.
