FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in opening fixture
Mexico City, June 11
The wait is finally over as the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament's opening match at the Mexico City Stadium. The match will start at 12:30 AM IST.
Group A clash marks the beginning of the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States. For Mexico, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on El Tri as they seek to make a winning start in front of their home fans, according to FIFA.
Interestingly, the fixture is a reversal of the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Siphiwe Tshabalala's memorable strike gave the hosts the lead before Rafael Marquez rescued a 1-1 draw for Mexico. Marquez will once again be involved on the touchline, this time serving as assistant coach to Mexico boss Javier Aguirre.
Mexico enter the contest as favourites and will look to capitalise on home support and familiarity with the conditions. Aguirre believes the occasion can inspire his players to deliver on the grand stage.
"I haven't experienced a greater thrill in 50 years of football than playing in a World Cup at home. I've lived through a lot, but this is unforgettable. That's what I've told the boys, and I think I've convinced them. They feel comfortable; it's something very powerful, and they have grown together like a family. They express it openly," Aguirre told FIFA ahead of the match.
South Africa, meanwhile, secured qualification after topping Group C in the African qualifiers and arrive determined to upset the hosts. Head coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side but backed his players to compete.
"Mexico are the strongest team in the group, so tomorrow will be a very tough game for us. I can assure you that my team is ready, and we'll fight for every metre and every ball for the full 90 minutes. After that, we'll see," Broos said.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena echoed his coach's confidence ahead of the historic encounter.
"Of course, the expectations are very high, and it's going to be an amazing game, with an amazing atmosphere. As a team, we're looking forward to the game, and we're excited. We know how much it means to everyone back home," Mokoena told FIFA.
South Africa have also received a boost with left-back Aubrey Modiba expected to be fit after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mexico's possible starting XI
Rangel; Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, Reyes; Gutierrez, Lira, Fidalgo; Quinones, Alvarado, Jimenez
South Africa's possible starting XI
Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha; Moremi, Foster, Appollis
With a packed stadium, a global audience and World Cup history set to be written once again, all eyes will be on Mexico City as the curtain rises on football's biggest spectacle.
— ANI
Reader Comments
South Africa gave us that iconic moment in 2010 with Tshabalala's goal. Now the reverse fixture! So poetic. 🏆 India needs to qualify one day. We have the passion but need better grassroots development. Just look at how Japan and Korea progressed.
As a football fan living in Delhi, I'm setting my alarm for 12:30 AM! 🎉 48 teams is too many in my opinion (dilutes quality), but still excited. Mexico should win easily. South Africa's midfield looks weak compared to Gutierrez and Fidalgo.
Interesting how Marquez went from player to assistant coach. That 2010 match was legendary! 🔥 But let's be honest - this group stage will be boring with so many minnows. FIFA only cares about money these days. Still, good to see football growing globally.
Every World Cup brings back memories of 2002 when India almost qualified! 😔 Anyway, I'm supporting Mexico in this opener. Their fans create the best atmosphere. South Africa will fight hard though - African teams always bring physicality. Watch out for Appollis on the wing!
A 48-team World Cup is just ridiculous. The group stage will be a snoozefest with teams like South Africa getting hammered. But I'll still wake up at midnight because I love football. 🇮🇳 India needs to take notes from these smaller nations on how to overachieve.
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