Mexico open World Cup 2026 against South Africa at the Azteca

Opening day at the Azteca

Mexico kick off their home World Cup Thursday against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. It is the opening match of the 2026 tournament, and your team walks onto the biggest stage in football on home soil (1) (2). The groups are set, the eyes of the world are on Mexico City, and the campaign starts now.

Mora makes history at 17

Gilberto Mora becomes the youngest player ever to wear the Mexico shirt at a World Cup. At 17, he is also the youngest player across the entire 2026 tournament. Expect his name to be everywhere if he steps onto the pitch (1).

Aguirre and Broos: 40 years in the making

This is not the first time Javier Aguirre and South Africa coach Hugo Broos have met at the Azteca. They faced each other as players 40 years ago at the 1986 World Cup – Mexico against Belgium. Broos told AFP: 'Nobody in Hollywood could have written a better script. I made my World Cup debut and four decades later, I will be one of the coaches in a World Cup opener' (2).

Aguirre: no such thing as a small rival

Javier Aguirre is not taking South Africa lightly. 'There are no small rivals,' he said ahead of the opener. The message is clear – Mexico are treating this like any other World Cup battle (3).