All eyes of football fans around the world are on the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This stadium will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Mexico faces South Africa in the first round of the group stage.
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, June 11. The tournament will run until July 19, featuring 48 teams for the first time in its history.
The opening match features a special encounter between the two teams, as they previously met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The two teams are in Group A alongside South Korea and the Czech Republic, and each is looking to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
History of matches between Mexico and South Africa
The national teams of Mexico and South Africa have met four times previously. Mexico has won twice, South Africa once, and one match ended in a draw.
Mexico won two friendly matches against South Africa, 4-0 and 4-2. South Africa’s only victory came in the 2005 Gold Cup, with a 2-1 scoreline. Their most famous encounter, the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, ended in a 1-1 draw.
