Mexico's Foreign Minister hosts South African counterpart ahead of World Cup opener

As the 2026 World Cup kicks off with the inaugural match between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Ciudad de México, Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco welcomed his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. The meeting underscored the significance of the opening match, which holds a symbolic resonance for both nations.

Velasco noted the historical symmetry of the event, recalling that South Africa hosted Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. "Now, it is Mexico's turn to inaugurate the North American World Cup by hosting South Africa: sixteen years later, that gesture finds its way back," Velasco stated on social media, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of this sporting tradition.

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Now, it is Mexico's turn to inaugurate the North American World Cup by hosting South Africa: sixteen years later, that gesture finds its way back.

He extended an invitation to the global community to experience the tournament in Mexico. "The party belongs to Mexico, to its diverse peoples, similar in their complexity and ancestral history to the diversity of South African peoples, and the world is invited to live it," Velasco added. Mexico has a rich history with the World Cup, having hosted the tournament three times previously in 1970, 1986, and now sharing hosting duties in 2026.

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The party belongs to Mexico, to its diverse peoples, similar in their complexity and ancestral history to the diversity of South African peoples, and the world is invited to live it.