Welcome to live coverage of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Mexico takes on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Kick-off is set for 1pm local time (8pm BST, 3pm EDT, 5am AEST).
Pre-Match Atmosphere
The stadium is already buzzing with excitement. Fans have gathered outside, waving flags and wearing team colors. The early scene inside the stadium shows a sea of green, white, and red for Mexico, alongside the vibrant yellow and green of South Africa.
Key Events
- 13.29 EDT: The early scene inside the stadium before Mexico v South Africa in the World Cup 2026 opener. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA.
- 13.26 EDT: First email of the competition from Justin Kavanagh, who reflects on the politicization of football and FIFA's greed.
- 13.22 EDT: ITV's pre-match coverage touches on politics, with Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane discussing the need to remember ongoing issues.
- 13.19 EDT: A montage of past World Cups brings emotional memories.
- 13.14 EDT: ITV's opening credits are praised as beautiful and cinematic.
- 13.04 EDT: A quiz segment challenges viewers to name a tune.
Preamble
What a feeling! Thirty-nine days, 104 matches, and the greatest joy known to humankind. This World Cup promises to be an affirming, inspiring, immersive, absorbing, challenging, compelling, enriching, educational orgy of glorious, wondrous, beauteous football.
However, we must acknowledge the problematic nature of this tournament. The awfulness is too extensive to enumerate here, but we must pay our debt to pleasure by doing something small to combat the forces that co-opt our game. Being kind and tolerant, or donating to a charity that supports migrants or refugees, are options.
The opening ceremony will be held at 11.30am local time (1.30pm EDT, 6.30pm BST, 3.30am AEST). The match kicks off at 1pm local time (3pm EDT, 8pm BST, 5am AEST).
Match Preview
Both teams are expected to attack, but in different ways: Mexico by controlling the centre of the pitch, and South Africa with thrust down the flanks. Look out for Gilberto Mora, the hosts' 17-year-old midfielder, the youngest player in the tournament.
For millions of children around the world, this is their debut tournament. The sense of wonder is something we understand better now as adults. These are the days of our lives, and we can bring that vibe to everything.
Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.
