World Cup Opener: Mexico Faces South Africa Today

June 11, 2010. Mexico faced hosts South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup. Exactly 16 years later, on another June 11, the opening match of the 2026 World Cup is here.

Coincidentally, the same two teams are squaring off once again. The only difference this time is that Mexico plays the host, while South Africa is the visitor.

The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is set to create history as the first venue ever to host a World Cup opening match for the third time.

Adding to its immense legacy, this is the very ground where Pelé in 1970 and Diego Maradona in 1986 hoisted the golden trophy.

As those historic memories are revived during the opening ceremony at 11:30 PM Bangladesh Time tonight, Mexicans will be hoping for a perfect start to their campaign. 

Notably, El Tri has made it a habit of remaining unbeaten in their opening World Cup fixtures.

Mexico has not lost any of their last seven opening matches. Furthermore, history strongly favors the hosts today, as Mexico remains unbeaten in World Cup matches played at the Azteca (5 wins, 2 draws).

In terms of strength, history, and recent form, Mexico enters the clash well ahead of South Africa.

The North American nation is currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, while the African side sits at 60th.

In international football, the two teams have met four times. Mexico has won twice, South Africa once, and their encounter in the 2010 World Cup opener ended in a draw.

Javier Aguirre, who was Mexico's head coach during that 2010 tournament, returns to the dugout once again.

Interestingly, Rafael Márquez—the man who scored the equalizer for Mexico 16 years ago after Siphiwe Tshabalala had put South Africa ahead—is now serving as the team's assistant coach. 

Mexico's sensational form this year has boosted their confidence significantly; Aguirre's men remain unbeaten in eight matches in 2026, securing six wins and two draws.

Crucially, those draws came against formidable opponents in Portugal and Belgium.

However, South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, cannot be taken lightly.

After failing to qualify for the last three global tournaments, Bafana Bafana's return to the big stage is an achievement in itself. 

Snatching at least a point in front of the host crowd would be a massive statement.

Broos’s expected 4-2-3-1 formation hints at a conservative approach, with Burnley forward Lyle Foster likely to lead the attack as the lone striker. 

The primary objective will be to frustrate the hosts by maintaining a compact defense and midfield.

Aguirre is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez leading the line for Mexico.

He is likely to be flanked by Julián Quiñones and Roberto Alvarado.

It goes without saying that Mexico aims to kick off the World Cup by capitalizing on their home advantage, and supercomputer predictions are heavily tipped in favor of the hosts.

The stage is now set for the Mexican wave to take over the Azteca.

Possible Lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Gallardo, Álvarez, Montes, Reyes; Gutiérrez, Lira, Fidalgo; Quiñones, Jiménez, Alvarado.

South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Adams; Appollis, Zwane, Moremi; Foster.