2026 World Cup opener: Mexico vs South Africa — Classic big dogs vs underdogs showdown at Azteca

Washington, DC — The long-awaited 2026 World Cup opener is finally here.

On Thursday, over 80,000 fans are expected to converge in the Mexican capital’s historic Azteca Stadium to witness mighty Mexico take on underdogs South Africa in a throwback to their opener in 2010 that was hosted by South Africa.

The match could reportedly attract over 1 billion viewers globally across television and streaming, though these figures remain unconfirmed by FIFA.

Excitement and celebrations aside, both teams will face pressure during the match as co-hosts Mexico, ranked 14th, seek to top their group, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic.

The Bafana Bafana, ranked 60th, on the other hand, will try to mark their return to football’s grandest stage with a victory to increase their hopes of qualifying for the Round of 32.

With the advantage of playing on home soil and in front of their fans, El Tri enter the match as clear favourites.

Team strengths

Despite pundits tipping Mexico as favourites in the match, head coach Javier Aguirre is warning against underestimating the Bafana Bafana, describing them as a “unique hybrid” and stronger than most people realise.

Aguirre is no stranger to facing South Africa, having done so in the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener as manager of Mexico, and during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when he was the head coach of Egypt. Aguirre also managed Mexico in 2002 World Cup.

“South Africa are a tough team. It doesn’t really have the African style, nor the European one,” notes Aguirre, who is leading his third — and final — World Cup squad in 2026.

Aguirre usually applies a 4-3-3 formation with Mexico that can change into a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 depending on the opponent. 4-3-3 is usually used to capitalise on wing play by wingers and full-backs from both flanks.

Mexico’s tactical approach relies on high pressing, particularly against opponents they expect to dominate.

Their star player is striker Raul Jimenez, who represents more than just football for Mexicans. Having suffered a fractured skull in 2020, he managed to return to the national team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Defensive midfielder Erik Lira also remains a key asset for the Mexican team.

On the other hand, South Africa are aiming to prove that their progress under coach Hugo Broos is no fluke, but a defining era that has transformed the nation’s football.