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Mexico faces South Africa in World Cup opener seeking to end curse

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 1:21 AM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Mexico faces South Africa in World Cup opener seeking to end curse

Summary

Mexico is set to play South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026, at the Azteca stadium. Historically, Mexico has struggled in opening-day matches, with five losses and two draws in its last seven World Cup debuts. Coach Javier Aguirre aims to break this trend, drawing on his team’s current seven-game unbeaten streak. The match also serves as a rematch of their 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Aguirre emphasizes the significance of the match, especially as it is hosted on home soil.

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By the Numbers

•Mexico hosts South Africa in the World Cup opener
•El Tri has a five-loss, two-draw record on opening day
•Aguirre stresses the importance of breaking the trend
•Mexico's last defeat was against Paraguay in November
•The 2010 opener ended in a 1-1 draw

Latest Updates

1:21 AMYahoo Sports — Mexico seeks to end its opening-day World Cup curse when it takes on South Africa

What they're saying

"
Mexico usually hits a wall when it plays on the opening day of the World Cup. Of the seven previous occurrences, El Tri's record is five losses and two draws. Mexico gets another shot Thursday when it hosts South Africa to kick off the 48-team tournament.
— Yahoo Sportsby CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

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FIFA World Cup Soccer