Performers, kickoff time, players to look out for, tactics, the venue, where to watch on TV and more

The World Cup 2026 opener pits host Mexico against South Africa at the Azteca on June 11, a rematch of their 2010 meeting and the first of 104 games.

The World Cup will be officially kick-started with the traditional opening ceremony before Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City

The World Cup gets underway with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa

The expanded tournament is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada with 104 matches in 16 stadiums over 39 days.

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The World Cup opener is June 11, Mexico vs South Africa at the Azteca. Your CDMX day-one guide: protests, transport, the Zócalo fan zone and where to watch.

Join the excitement as South Africa kicks off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico on Thursday, June 11. Discover the best venues in Cape Town, from the vibrant V&A…

As the tournament kicks off, cohosts Mexico face South Africa in a replay of the 2010 edition's opening game.

The World Cup’s opener features hosts Mexico, who will be cheered on by fervent fans at Estadio Azteca

The 2026 World Cup officially begins on June 11.

Mexico hosts South Africa in a repeat of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup.

Group A clash marks the beginning of the biggest World Cup in history

As the 2026 Fifa World Cup opener approaches, the clash between co-host Mexico and Bafana Bafana promises to be a thrilling encounter, echoing the drama of their 2010 face-off.

Discover where to watch the match live, from exciting watch parties to broadcasts on SABC Sport.

The Fifa World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City will feature performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, and Tyla, starting at 7.30pm, with gates opening four hours before the match…

‘The reality is Mexico is the best team in the group,’ says coach Hugo Broos ahead of opening match

Join the excitement as South Africa kicks off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico on Thursday, June 11. Discover the best venues in Cape Town, from the vibrant V&A…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

FIFA World Cup 2026 Streaming: Mexico kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against South Africa in Mexico City, entering the match as favorites due to strong recent form…

Follow Mexico vs. South Africa live as the World Cup gets underway, with score updates, highlights, team news, lineups, key moments and how to watch the opener.