Mexico vs South Africa — World Cup 2026 preview

Mexico and South Africa will kick off the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the match scheduled for 11 Jun 2026 at 14:00 EST and 20:00 GMT. The fixture brings back memories of the opening game at the 2010 tournament, and pits hosts Mexico, ranked 15th by FIFA, against a Bafana Bafana side ranked 60th.

Mexico are led by Javier Aguirre, the 67-year-old coach in his third stint in charge, who will rely on experienced striker Raul Jimenez — the 34-year-old Fulham forward with 125 caps. Teenager Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana could provide spark from the bench, while Aguirre has included naturalised regulars Spain-born Alvaro Fidalgo and Colombia-born Julian Quinones in his squad.

His managerial past includes spells with Japan and Egypt and several club jobs in Mexico and Spain. South Africa are managed by 74-year-old Hugo Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON and has returned them to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Mexico, Mexico City

mexico, south africa, world cup, 2026, estadio azteca, javier aguirre, raul jimenez, gilberto mora, alvaro fidalgo, hugo broos