The World Cup’s opener features hosts Mexico, who will be cheered on by fervent fans at Estadio Azteca16:12, 10 Jun 2026The 2026 World Cup is very nearly here - it all kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, June 11) with Mexico, one of the three host nations, in action.‌The tournament will take place across North America with matches scheduled for venues in the United States and Canada over the next month. It'll culminate in a the final at Met Life Stadium in New York on Sunday, July 19.‌There's plenty of action to be had before then, however. And on June 11, it’s the football-mad nation of Mexico that takes centre stage when the competition begins.‌To try and predict how the curtain-raiser will go, we used EA Sports FC 26’s new The World’s Game mode, an unofficial World Cup tournament. The simulation threw up a few surprises but Mexican fans will be hoping it doesn’t repeat in real life.Mexico v South Africa World Cup 2026 opener predicated by EA FC 26Indeed, this is Mexico’s second time hosting the World Cup, and they began the tournament in 1970 at the very same venue, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Sadly for the hosts, history will repeat itself if the EA FC 26 simulation comes to fruition.‌That’s because, much like in 1970, the game’s engine predicted a truly dull 0-0 draw against South Africa. It mirrors the result 56 years ago, when Mexico played out a goalless draw in front of 107,160 fans against the Soviet Union.To make matters worse, this Mexico side will make history as becoming the only host nation to fail to register a shot on goal in an opening match.‌Creating literally nothing throughout the 90 minutes of our simulation, Mexico’s virtual performance surpasses the unwanted record set by Qatar four years ago, who had five shots against Ecuador - although none were on target.The closest we came to seeing the tournament’s first goal was from a South Africa free-kick just before half-time.After Themba Zwane’s long-range effort was blocked by the hand of defender Johan Vasquez, Aubrey Modiba struck the set-piece just over the top-right corner of the home nation’s goal.Article continues belowRaul Rangel made a routine stop from Zwane five minutes into the second half, but his teammates were truly woeful in attack despite having 66 per cent of possession. The Mexican forwards of Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones were basically anonymous.For the sake of the Mexican fanbase - and indeed, everyone around the world watching the tournament opener at 8pm on Thursday - let’s hope the EA FC 26 prediction is wildly off base.