The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Mexico are favourites and will be buoyed by home support and a strong World Cup record on home soil.

Group A features co-hosts Mexico alongside South Korea, South Africa and Czechia, and will open the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the tournament curtain-raiser between Mexico and South Africa on June 12

The 2026 World Cup has finally arrived! Co-hosts Mexico will take on South Africa Thursday afternoon from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which is the same opening match from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Mexico vs South Africa live today opens the FIFA World Cup 2026, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca.

Mexico open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City. The match begins the tournament's expanded 48-team format across three host nations.

Here we go then, the 2026 World Cup has finally arrived and the opening match of the competition is set to get under way this evening and we will bring you all the news throughout the day.

It’s finally here. The first of 104 matches in this biggest-ever World Cup kicks off in Mexico City when South Africa meets up with Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico and South Africa open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday. Check out the latest betting odds and predictions.