The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in a Group A match at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium on June 11.
It is a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, which South Africa hosted. That match ended 1-1 and is most remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s opening strike for the African country – a match that prompted commentator Peter Drury to say: «Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa, goal for all Africa!»
Mexico has reached the last sixteen of every World Cup since 1994 until the last edition. A late goal from Saudi Arabia saw the team eliminated from the group stage on goal difference on the final matchday in Qatar – a fate the country will look to avoid on home soil.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be participating in its fourth World Cup after qualifying on merit for the first time in more than two decades. It has not progressed beyond the group stage in any final appearance.
Published on December 6, 2025
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