World Cup 2026 Kicks Off: Mexico Host South Africa in Historic Azteca Opener

10 Jun 2026

The 2026 World Cup begins Thursday as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the first of 104 matches in the expanded 48-team format. Mexico, the first nation to stage the men's tournament three times, are heavy favorites under Javier Aguirre and will rely on home advantage and altitude. South Africa, back at the finals for the first time since hosting in 2010, hope to stay compact and spring a surprise in Group A.