World Cup 2026: Mexico on Tear Heading Into Opener Against South Africa
South Africa seek their first World Cup win as Mexico open the tournament at home with Guillermo Ochoa available after a late call-up.
- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mexico hosts South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the FIFA World Cup opener, kicking off at 8pm BST following an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy.
- This fixture repeats the 2010 curtain-raiser at Soccer City, which ended in a 1-1 draw, as South Africa returns to the finals for the first time since hosting 16 years ago.
- Goalkeeper Raul Rangel is expected to start over veteran Guillermo Ochoa, while Burnley striker Lyle Foster leads the South Africa attack for the opening match.
- UK viewers can watch the match on ITV1 with coverage starting at 7.50pm, though the clash is viewed as an underwhelming start between two 'perennial World Cup underperformers.'
- Hosting the FIFA World Cup for the third time, Mexico seeks a victory on home soil, yet faces pressure as 'home advantage can often turn into raucous fan boos' if results disappoint.
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70 Articles
The world will revolve around a ball for a month. The FIFA World Cup kicked off this Thursday: 48 teams – 3 host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mexico opened the tournament against South Africa. Source link: https://www.france24.com/fr/%C3%A9missions/journal-de-l-afrique/20260611-le-mondial-2026-est-lanc%C3%A9-la-1%C3%A8re-affiche-opposait-le-mexique-%C3%A0-l-afrique-du-sud Author: Fatimata WANE Publish date: 2026-06-11 21:15:…
World Cup opening games are always difficult, but now it's even harder for South Africa. And Schiri Wilton Sampaio became the lead actor involuntarily. Everything important to the World Cup.
Eye on Africa - World Cup begins with Mexico hosting South Africa in opening match
In tonight's edition, the World Cup kicks off with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in front of 80,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Also, as Africa sends the most teams that it ever has to the tournament, we revisit the legacy of the first team from the continent to head to the World Cup. And hundreds of Nigerians are repatriated from escalating anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa.
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