The 2026 World Cup kicks off with Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, the ground that staged the 1970 and 1986 finals and now opens the largest tournament in history. Mexico plays its third World Cup as host and carries a singular record: it is the nation with the most appearances (17) never to have lifted the trophy. Playing at home in front of its own fans turns this opener into a chance to move past the quarterfinal ceiling it hit in 1970 and 1986.
South Africa returns to the World Cup with memories of 2010, when it became the first African nation to host the tournament but failed to clear the group stage. Bafana Bafana know that opening against the host is the toughest possible test, in a Group A completed by South Korea and Czechia. A good result at the Azteca would transform their hopes of reaching the new Round of 32.
Goals and cards
Mexico (2)
Julián Quiñones 9'Raúl Jiménez 67'
South Africa (0)
Goals
Mexico (2)
Brian Gutiérrez 23'César Montes 90'+2
South Africa (4)
Teboho Mokoena 17'Nkosinathi Sibisi 74'Sphephelo Sithole 49'Themba Zwane 84'
Spain, 2026 world champions1-0 vs Argentina · after extra timeView bracket
Mexico
South Africa
