The 2026 World Cup is finally here! After plenty of build-up and expectation co-hosts Mexico kick-off the biggest tournament yet against South Africa in Mexico City.
The Group A opener sees coach Javier Aguirre leading Mexico at a World Cup for the third time (after 2002 and 2010).
The co-hosts reached the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, when the competition was played in Mexico, and will be aiming to go deep again.
“I am neither nervous nor anxious – I’m genuinely excited,” Aguirre said.
“I’m one of the lucky ones, truly lucky. We are in our best physical, athletic and even mental shape. The players are very excited. None of them has experienced anything like this before. We’re all eager for the moment to arrive.
“Let’s hope it [the match] is a good one and lives up to the occasion. That’s what I tell my players, playing at home is priceless. England were champions at home and never again.
“I have a lot of faith that the fans will encourage us, help us, and that the whole country will be behind us.”
South Africa are in their first World Cup since hosting in 2010. These two sides met in the opening game 16 years ago too – a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals
Team news for Mexico v South Africa
Mexico will pin their goalscoring hopes on Raul Jimenez – who has just signed for a second spell at Wolves after leaving Fulham.
The 35-year-old has 45 goals in 124 caps and is third on the all-time list.
Elsewhere goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could start in his sixth World Cup while captain Edson Alvarez is in line for a 99th cap.
South Africa have plenty of domestic-based players with Burnley striker Lyle Foster set to lead the attack.
Predicted line-ups for Mexico v South Africa
Mexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Alvarez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Pineda; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Foster, Moremi
Where to watch Mexico v South Africa
The match is broadcast on ITV and STV in the UK, and can also be streamed on ITVX.
Check out where all the World Cup matches will be shown here.
Stats for Mexico v South Africa
Mexico are unbeaten in their last seven opening matches at a World Cup, with five wins and two draws – the last time they tasted defeat in their opener was in 1994, when they lost 1-0 to Norway.
None of South Africa’s nine matches at the World Cup have ended goalless – their two wins so far in the competition came against Slovenia in 2002 and France in 2010. The victory against Slovenia is also their only clean sheet in a World Cup match (1-0).
Coach Javier Aguirre played for Mexico at the 1986 WC, starting all five matches and assisting Manuel Negrete’s volley against Bulgaria before being sent off in the quarter-final against West Germany.
Prediction
Home advantage, a feverish crowd and a better side all point towards an opening win for the co-hosts. Let’s let the football do the talking!
Mexico 3-1 South Africa
