Mexico and South Africa will play the opening match of the 2026 World Cup this Thursday (11), at 4pm (Brasília time), at the traditional Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City.
The venue is one of the most legendary stages in world football, and has already hosted two decisions that have gone down in history. Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Italy, in 1970, which won the Tri for Amarelinha, and Argentina’s 3-2 victory over West Germany, which consecrated the Hermanos with their second title.
History of selections
The two teams have already faced each other in a World Cup opener on the same day of June 11, 16 years ago, at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. The South African team opened the scoring with Tshabalala, 10 minutes into the first half.
Mexico equalized in the 35th minute of the second half, with Rafa Márquez. The former defender is one of those who will be present at the rematch of the clash. He, who played in five World Cups, is Javier Aguirre’s technical assistant, and is expected to take over the position after the World Cup.
Tickets sold out
All tickets for the opening game of the 2026 World Cup are sold out on official FIFA channels.
Although many tickets are being sold on resale platforms, there is no guarantee of the authenticity of the tickets, which are 100% digital.
Storm threat
To departure Mexican meteorological authorities issued an orange alert indicating the possibility of torrential rain and storms, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Mexico City has recorded several episodes of flooding in recent days, increasing the concern of the tournament organizers.
Opening ceremony
FIFA plans more than one opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup. Each of the host countries – Mexico, United States and Canadathere will be a special show in addition to tributes to Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona.
Estadio Azteca will host Grammy-winning rock band Maná, as well as pop singers Alejandro Fernández and Belinda. The cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules is also expected to perform.
Previous campaigns
The Mexicans are looking to surpass their best World Cup campaigns. In 1970 and 1986, editions that were also played on Mexican soil, the team reached the quarterfinals.
In the history of the World Cup, the Mexican team has accumulated 60 games, 17 wins, 15 draws, 28 defeats, 62 goals scored and 101 goals conceded.
The South Africans have been struggling in the first phase of the tournament. In 1998, 2002 and 2010 they were still eliminated in their groups. Throughout history, there are 9 games, 2 wins, 4 draws, 3 defeats, 11 goals scored and 16 conceded.
Where to watch Mexico vs South Africa
- TV: Globo, SBT, SporTV and N Sports
- Streaming: Ge TV (only on Globoplay) and CazéTV (YouTube)
- Real time: CNN Sports
Mexico x South Africa technical sheet
- Data: 11/6/2026
- Time: 4pm (Brasília time)
- Local: Azteca Stadium in Mexico City
- Phase: 1st round of group A of the World Cup
