FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in opening fixture

The FIFA World Cup 2026 commences on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico set to play South Africa in the opening fixture at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. This marks the start of the most expansive World Cup to date, boasting 48 participating teams and a total of 104 matches spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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I haven't experienced a greater thrill in 50 years of football than playing in a World Cup at home. I've lived through a lot, but this is unforgettable. That's what I've told the boys, and I think I've convinced them. They feel comfortable; it's something very powerful, and they have grown together like a family. They express it openly.

Mexico, known as El Tri, will be under intense scrutiny as they aim for a victorious start in front of their home supporters. The opening match mirrors the 2010 World Cup fixture between these two nations, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Rafael Marquez, who played in that game, now serves as assistant coach to Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre.

Aguirre expressed the profound significance of hosting the World Cup, describing it as an unforgettable experience that inspires his players. "I haven't experienced a greater thrill in 50 years of football than playing in a World Cup at home," he told FIFA. "That's what I've told the boys, and I think I've convinced them. They feel comfortable; it's something very powerful, and they have grown together like a family."

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Mexico are the strongest team in the group, so tomorrow will be a very tough game for us. I can assure you that my team is ready, and we'll fight for every metre and every ball for the full 90 minutes. After that, we'll see.

South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, qualified by topping their group in the African qualifiers. Broos acknowledged Mexico as the strongest team in Group A but assured that his squad is prepared to fight. "Mexico are the strongest team in the group, so tomorrow will be a very tough game for us. I can assure you that my team is ready, and we'll fight for every metre and every ball for the full 90 minutes," Broos stated. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena echoed this sentiment, highlighting the high expectations and the team's excitement for the historic encounter.

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Of course, the expectations are very high, and it's going to be an amazing game, with an amazing atmosphere. As a team, we're looking forward to the game, and we're excited. We know how much it means to everyone back home.