History repeats at the Azteca as Mexico face South Africa in World Cup opener

History repeats at the Azteca as Mexico face South Africa in World Cup opener

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with a Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, with the match starting at 1:00 am Bangladesh time following an opening ceremony.

The fixture carries a poetic historical echo. Exactly 16 years ago, on the same date, these two sides met in the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning goal united a nation before Mexico equalised for a 1-1 draw. Now the roles are reversed, with Mexico as the host nation. The Azteca will serve as the stage for a World Cup opening match for the third time in history, a record no other stadium holds.

Mexico enter as clear favourites. They are unbeaten in six of their last eight pre-tournament matches, including a 5-1 win over Serbia on June 4, and are led by striker Raul Jimenez, who has scored 45 international goals in 124 caps. The backing of a packed 80,000-strong home crowd at the Azteca only adds to their advantage. However, key players including César Montes, Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez, and Alexis Vega were carrying injuries in the lead-up to the tournament, and there are questions over who starts in goal.

South Africa arrive as underdogs but not without hope. Coach Hugo Broos' side come into the match off the back of a 0-0 draw with Nicaragua and a 1-1 draw with Jamaica, results that left Broos openly frustrated. Despite the difficult preparations, the Bafana Bafana have shown they can be hard to break down, and the occasion of a first World Cup appearance since 2010 could lift them. Broos has acknowledged Mexico as the strongest team in the group but insists his side will stick to their game plan and not be overwhelmed by the atmosphere.