The 2026 World Cup officially begins tonight in Mexico City as thousands of fans gather at the iconic Azteca Stadium for the first of 104 matches across three host nations. Mexico is hosting the opening game for a record third time, facing South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 tournament opener, which ended in a draw in Johannesburg.
Match Preview
Mexico enters the tournament with high hopes of advancing deep into the knockout stages. They are expected to win Group A, which also includes South Korea and Czechia after tonight's match. England fans will be watching closely, as predictions suggest Mexico could be a last-16 opponent for the Three Lions. Notably, El Tri has not played a World Cup knockout match in four decades.
South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, has qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since hosting the event 16 years ago. They aim to escape the group stage for the first time in their history.
How to Follow the Game
Follow the match live with our dedicated blog, featuring expert analysis and insights from our reporter at the stadium. The opening ceremony begins at 6:30 PM BST, with kick-off scheduled for 8 PM BST at the Azteca Stadium.
- Opening ceremony: 6:30 PM BST
- Kick-off: 8 PM BST, Azteca Stadium
- Live updates: Stay tuned for real-time coverage
After a long and controversial road, the 2026 World Cup is finally here. For the next few hours, the focus is on football. Stick with us for all the action.
