2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off as Mexico hosts South Africa

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 12:34 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off as Mexico hosts South Africa
Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins today in Mexico City, where Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match at Estadio Azteca. Both teams are familiar with the World Cup's opening fixture, having previously met in 2010, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Today’s game is set to draw a sold-out crowd, eager to witness Mexico's home advantage. An opening ceremony precedes the match, following a tradition of grandeur associated with World Cups. The match is still in progress, and all eyes are on these two nations as rivalry and the tournament's first momentum builds.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Match takes place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
  • Both nations previously met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup.
  • 7,260,000 tickets sold for the tournament as a whole.
  • Gilberto Mora and Ronwen Williams are key players to watch.
  • The opening ceremony precedes the match, celebrating the event.
Latest Updates
  • 12:34 PMYahoo SportsWorld Cup Day 1️⃣ Essentials: What you need to know before kick-off
What they're saying
"

The long wait is over. The day is finally here.In front of a sold out crowd in Mexico City today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup here gets under way.This is everything you need to know about day one of actio...

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days