This year's match against South Africa adds to a long history of first matches that reveal El Tri's form and ambition.

It’s the first of 104 World Cup matches over the next 39 days, in June and July. “Almost eight years to the day that Canada, Mexico and USA were appointed co-hosts of the FIFA

Stadium entry points and concourses are equipped with advanced facial recognition software and AI-powered monitoring systems. These tools scan faces in real-time, matching them against security databases.

Bafana Bafana are set to take on Mexico in their World Cup opener, with coach Hugo Broos expressing confidence in his team’s readiness to face a formidable opponent on home turf.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 starts on Thursday, Mexico are up against South Africa in the opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Heres how the capital city is preparing for the mega clash.

Join our writers as they bring you the latest news before the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa.   08:42 Domestic news: Wolves have sacked Rob Edwards, Sky Sports is reporting,