The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on June 11 as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

This high-stakes Group A opener marks a historic rematch of the 2010 World Cup opening game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

El Tri enter the tournament with strong home advantage and altitude familiarity. Under coach Javier Aguirre, Mexico have shown defensive solidity and quick transitions in recent friendlies. As co-hosts, the pressure is on to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since 1986.

Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010. Coached by veteran Hugo Broos, they topped their CAF qualifying group and arrive with confidence, attacking flair, and a mix of domestic and European-based talent.

Javier Aguirre’s El Tri were ousted from the group stages in Qatar, and they come into this competition with huge pressure of home support on their shoulders. In recent months, Mexico have had a roller coaster ride and this opening encounter will shape up their campaign in this World Cup. For South Africa, the task will be to scrape past group stages and they arguably play the strongest opponent in the very first match. Although the African team may not dominate the possession, they have the quality to hurt the Mexicans.

Mexico vs South Africa Schedule, Kick-Off Time

Date: Thursday, June 11

Kick-Off Time: 1 pm local time/ 12:30 am IST (next day)/8 pm GMT

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Mexico vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have faced each other four times, with Mexico winning two, one draw, and one South African victory. Their most memorable encounter remains the 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg.

Mexico vs South Africa Predicted Lineups

Mexico: Raul Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones

South Africa: Ronwen Williams (c); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena; Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi; Lyle Foster

Mexico vs South Africa Key Players

Mexico

For Mexico, Raul Jimenez will play a big part as the Mexican striker will spearhead the line for El Tri. Apart from that, in the defense, Cesar Montes and Johan Vasquez will be crucial, while young Gilberto Mora can play a big part from the bench.

South Africa

For the Proteas, Lyle Foster carries the primary attacking and goal threat. Teboho Mokoena is a quality box-to-box midfielder and is expected to orchestrate and drive his team forward in the match.

Mexico vs South Africa Score Prediction

Mexico 2-0 South Africa