This is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for.
After four years of qualification heartbreak, transfer drama, injury scares, political controversy, and enough build-up to fill a library — the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally kicks off today. And it does so in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
The Estadio Azteca makes history as the first stadium ever to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986 — iconic editions dominated by Pelé and Diego Maradona respectively. Today, a third chapter gets written inside those legendary walls. Eighty-seven thousand fans, a sea of green and white, an atmosphere that will rattle television screens worldwide.
And before a ball is kicked? An opening ceremony headlined by four-time Grammy winner Shakira, alongside Colombian superstar J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla — a lineup as global and electric as the tournament itself. Mexico City will be shaking long before the referee blows his whistle. Yahoo Sports
📖 The Story Behind the Story
This fixture is a remarkable reversal of history. Sixteen years ago — also on June 11 — these exact two teams met as the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the great World Cup opening goals before Mexico’s Rafael Márquez equalized to close it out 1-1. Now the hosts and visitors have swapped jerseys, and this marks the first time in World Cup history that an opening match features the same two nations from a previous tournament opener. The football gods are clearly having fun.
Mexico — Hosts with Everything to Prove
Javier Aguirre — in his third remarkable stint as Mexico manager, the same man who was in the dugout against South Africa in 2010 — arrives with his side purring. El Tri are unbeaten in eight games dating back to November 2025, with results including a 5-1 thrashing of Serbia, a 1-1 draw with Belgium, and even a 0-0 against Portugal. This is a team that has found its rhythm at exactly the right moment.
Edson Álvarez anchors the midfield, Érik Lira does the dirty work, and Brian Gutiérrez provides the creative spark. Up front, veteran Raúl Jiménez leads the line, with Santiago Giménez — when fit — the explosive option off the bench. The Azteca crowd won’t just be the 12th man today. They’ll be a weapon.
South Africa — Underdogs with a Point to Prove
Don’t be fooled by the odds. Bafana Bafana have earned their place here the hard way. South Africa topped their CAF qualifying group despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player — they fought back to pip both Nigeria and Benin to qualification by a single point. That is a team forged in resilience.
Under 74-year-old Belgian coach Hugo Broos, South Africa have built a possession-based, expansive style. Winger Oswin Appollis was their standout in qualifying, contributing six direct goal involvements, while Burnley striker Lyle Foster leads the attacking line. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams — arguably Africa’s best — will need a big game, but he’s had plenty of those. Crucially, five of South Africa’s last six fixtures have seen both teams score — suggesting Bafana Bafana won’t just sit back and absorb pressure. They’ll come to play.
⚡ The Verdict
This is a World Cup opener, not a training exercise. Mexico carry the weight of an entire nation’s expectations inside the most historic football stadium on the planet. South Africa carry the spirit of an entire continent. El Tri will fancy their chances against Bafana Bafana in front of what will unquestionably be a rocking Azteca — but football has never cared much for favourites. Sports Illustrated
Sixteen years ago, the same fixture produced goals, drama, and one of the most celebrated moments in World Cup history. There is absolutely no reason today will be any different.
The world is watching. Let the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin. 🌍⚽🔥
