World Cup Opens in Mexico City as Mexico Hosts South Africa
The largest World Cup ever staged kicked off Thursday in Mexico City, where co‑host Mexico faced South Africa in the opening match. More than 80,000 fans filled Mexico City Stadium, widely known as Azteca Stadium, despite ongoing protests and social tensions surrounding the tournament’s arrival in the capital. The iconic venue received a significant renovation ahead of the 48‑team event that Mexico is co‑hosting with the United States and Canada.
The opening match marked another milestone for Azteca Stadium. It is now the first venue in history to host three World Cup openers, having previously welcomed the world in 1970 and 1986. For Mexico, it was the nation’s eighth appearance in an opener, entering the match with five losses and two draws in previous tournament debuts. One of those draws came against South Africa in the 2010 World Cup.
South Africa Returns to the World Stage
South Africa made its first World Cup appearance since hosting the 2010 tournament. Bafana Bafana also competed in the 1998 and 2002 editions, and their return added another layer of significance to the opening match. The team arrived in Mexico City looking to reestablish itself on the global stage after more than a decade away from the tournament.
Mexico Enters on an Eight‑Match Unbeaten Run
Mexico came into the opener riding an eight‑match unbeaten streak, having last lost in November during a friendly against Paraguay. The team is led by 67‑year‑old coach Javier Aguirre, who is in his third stint guiding the national squad. His experience and familiarity with the program have been central to Mexico’s preparations for a tournament that carries both historic opportunity and immense pressure.
A Tournament Beginning Under Tension
The opening match unfolded against a backdrop of demonstrations and heightened security in Mexico City. Protests over economic conditions, public spending, and tournament‑related disruptions have intensified in recent weeks. Still, fans streamed into the stadium hours before kickoff, creating a vibrant atmosphere that contrasted with the unrest outside.
With the opening whistle, the 2026 World Cup officially began, launching a month‑long tournament spread across three nations and dozens of cities. For Mexico and South Africa, the first match set the tone for what promises to be the most ambitious World Cup ever staged.
