Azteca Roars: Mexico Opens World Cup 2026

The biggest tournament in football history begins on June 11, 2026, as host nation Mexico faces South Africa at the legendary Azteca Stadium. This fixture revives the memory of the 2010 opener, where these two nations drew one-all. The Azteca, serving as the Mexico City Stadium for the event, makes history as the first venue to host three World Cup opening matches, having also staged the 1970 and 1986 curtain-raisers.

Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is a notable figure, being the only player from either squad to have featured in both the 2010 and 2026 tournaments. Mexico enters the match with strong recent form, having secured six wins and two draws in their eight friendlies this year. However, they will be without injured goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón and midfielder Marcel Ruiz.

South Africa arrives as the underdog, following a series of draws in their recent matches. Coach Hugo Broos is managing his own team's injury concerns, with wingers Thapelo Morena and Mohau Nkota unavailable, and left-back Aubrey Modiba's fitness uncertain. Mexico is unique in playing all its group games on home soil, with subsequent matches scheduled for Guadalajara and back at the Azteca.