The biggest FIFA World Cup in history gets underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More than 80,000 fans are expected to pack the historic stadium in Mexico City for a match that revives memories of the teams’ meeting in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
That encounter remains memorable for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s spectacular opening goal, which ignited South Africa’s home tournament before Mexico fought back to earn a share of the points.
Thursday’s clash marks the start of a 39-day football spectacle featuring a record 48 nations and 104 matches across the co-host nations of United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 edition introduces FIFA’s expanded format, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48 and adding a new Round of 32 to the knockout stage.
Ahead of kick-off, FIFA has lined up a star-studded opening ceremony featuring performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin and Tyla.
On paper, Mexico enter the contest as favourites. El Tri are currently enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run and hold a significantly higher FIFA ranking than their African counterparts. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the hosts will be eager to make a strong start, although the weight of expectation could add pressure to their opening performance.
Led by head coach Javier Aguirre, Mexico will be looking to lay down an early marker in their quest for a deep run on home soil.
South Africa, however, are embracing the challenge. Head coach Hugo Broos described the occasion as a special moment for his players and urged them to remain focused despite the anticipated atmosphere inside the stadium.
“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos said ahead of the match.
“It is very important that we keep ourselves to the game plan and don’t listen to what is happening in the stands.”
The opening week of the tournament promises several high-profile fixtures, including Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States versus Paraguay, Brazil facing Morocco, Germany taking on Curaçao and England meeting Croatia.
Under the new format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the newly introduced Round of 32.
Read also:
- FIFA World Cup: Davido uses global stage to demand freedom for abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers
- Full list of players, groups, countries of 2026 expanded World Cup
- Kieran McKenna steps down as Ipswich Town Manager, takes break from Football
Matches will be played across 16 cities and 16 stadiums spread throughout the three host nations. While Mexico, Canada and the United States are jointly hosting the tournament, the United States will stage the majority of matches, including most knockout fixtures, the semi-finals and the final.
Financially, the competition is expected to set new benchmarks. FIFA has confirmed a substantially increased prize fund, with the eventual champions set to receive $50 million.
All participating nations are guaranteed financial support through a combination of prize money and tournament preparation grants, while FIFA projects record-breaking revenues from broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements and ticket sales.
As the opening whistle approaches in Mexico City, the world’s attention turns to the start of what promises to be the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged.
