Mexico open the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the Azteca
It's here – Mexico open the World Cup tonight
Your team walks out at the Azteca tonight. Mexico vs South Africa, the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. More than 80,000 will fill the stadium. The wait is over. (1)
Who's got the whistle?
The referee for tonight's match has been confirmed, though the name was not specified in the source material. All eyes will be on how the official handles the pressure of a World Cup opener in front of a raucous home crowd. (3)
Shakira and Burna Boy lead the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony kicks things off before the match, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining the show. The full program sets the stage for what promises to be an electric night at the Azteca. (2) (4)
Fan reactions
The gates are open and the energy is already building. One fan posted that over 80,000 are expected at the Azteca tonight, calling it simply: "IT'S ON." The World Cup thread on r/MCFC lists Mexico vs South Africa as the marquee 20:00 UK kickoff. Read more here.
Sources
- 1. telegraaf.nl — LIVE | WK 2026: aftellen naar openingsduel, scheidsrechter Nederland - Japan bekend
- 2. sportnieuws.nl — Wereldsterren Shakira en Burna Boy trappen WK af: dit is het volledige programma van de openingsceremonie
- 3. fourfourtwo.com — Who is the referee for Mexico vs South Africa?
- 4. fourfourtwo.com — World Cup 2026 opening ceremony: Everything you need to know