Mexico face South Africa as the much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, with 80,000 fans expected to pack the Azteca stadium, in Mexico City.
It marks the start of 39-days of competition, which will see fabs able to take in 104 games – 40 more than in the last edition in Qatar. For the Estadio Azteca, it will be making history as the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches – after that in 1960, 1986 and, more recently, in 2026.
“We’re all focused on the end goal, which is for Mexico to have our best-ever World Cup,” commented the experienced,” says coach, Javier Aguirre.
“We're all in, we know what's coming, and that's what I value most.” For South Africa, coach Hugo Broos believes his side is more than capable of pulling off an upset, with Bafana Bafana returning to the global competition after a 16-year absence in what will be just their fourth appearance.
“For us, it will be a fantastic experience,” Broos said ahead of the opening game.
“It is very important that we keep ourselves to the game plan and don’t listen to what is happening in the stands.” South Africa’s preparations were disrupted by visa issues that delayed the arrival of several members of the travelling party, costing them valuable time to acclimatise to conditions in central Mexico.
As the first FIFA World Cup finals to be held in three countries - the United States, Mexico and Canada – following the opening game, the focus will then turn onto the second opening day clash, in Guadalajara, where the Korea Republic faces another much-fancied team in Czechia. The Asian side are making their 11th straight appearance at the finals, while Czechia return after a 20-year absence, with this being the first meeting between the teams at the World Cup.
Korea’s Head Coach, Hong Myungbo, said: “Playing in the World Cup is a dream for any player, with most footballers playing because they love the game.
“As they develop,” he went on, “their focus turns towards making the World Cup – and that is every footballer's dream.” The dream for all – in and out of the game – is for football (for sport) to be the winner …Come What May!!!
