MATCH PREVIEW:
The largest World Cup in tournament history kicks off Thursday with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
Amid escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital, more than 80,000 fans were making their way to Mexico City Stadium better known as Azteca Stadium. It got a much-needed facelift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico is hosting alongside the United States and Canada.
The iconic venue will be the first stadium to host three World Cup openers after doing so in the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
It is the eighth opening match of a World Cup for the Mexicans, who had previously lost five and drawn the last two, including against South Africa in the 2010 World Cup.
South Africa is playing in its first World Cup since hosting the 2010 tournament. The Bafana Bafana also played in the 1998 and 2002 editions.
Mexico arrives with an eight-match unbeaten streak and has not lost since last November, when Paraguay beat them in a friendly.
The Mexican side is led by the 67-year-old coach Javier Aguirre, who is in his third stint with the national team.
ANALYSIS:
If there were such a thing as a mid-table team at the World Cup, it would probably be Mexico. They are almost ever-present, yet no side has played as many matches at the tournament 60 in total without lifting the trophy.
Their supporters can be demanding but expectations are more modest this summer. If the co-hosts can end a 40-year wait for a knockout win, that would constitute success.
Their inability to reach an elusive fifth game, the curse of the ‘quinto partido’ has plagued Mexico for generations.
El Tri went out in the round of 16 at seven consecutive World Cups between 1994 and 2018, before ending that sequence in the worst possible way in Qatar, where they exited at the group stage.
PREDICTIONS:
Sadiq’s prediction: Mexico and South Africa have previously met at the FIFA World Cup. Their most famous encounter came in the opening match of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, which ended in a 1–1 draw. Many will remember Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic goal and Peter Drury’s unforgettable commentary.
This fixture feels like a symbolic replay of that historic game. South Africa were the hosts back in 2010; this time, Mexico play host to Bafana Bafana.
However, I am tipping a narrow home victory for Mexico, backed by home advantage, the influence of captain and midfield anchor Edson Álvarez of West Ham United, and the attacking threat of Raúl Jiménez of Fulham.
My prediction: Mexico 2–1 South Africa.
Peter’s Prediction: With 10 teams representing Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026, I believe this could finally be the year an African nation breaks new ground by either winning the tournament or at least reaching the final.
African football has continued to grow in quality, confidence and global influence, and this expanded World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the continent’s representatives to make history. I will be rooting for all the African teams to perform strongly throughout the competition.
As for the opening match, my support is with South Africa. The Bafana Bafana have the talent and determination to spring a surprise, and I am particularly excited to see Burnley forward Lyle Foster lead the attack. His pace, strength and eye for goal could prove decisive against the hosts.
My prediction: Mexico 1 – South Africa 3
Gbenga’s Prediction: Mexico were quarter-finalists on the two previous occasions they were World Cup hosts, but repeating that feat could be a tall order.
This is by no means a vintage Mexican side, with relatively few players based in Europe’s top five leagues and the team’s biggest name, Raul Jimenez, in the twilight of his career.
There has also been some negativity around El Tri’s style of play, with some fans even booing them in goalless draws against Uruguay and Portugal. south Africa on the other hand are playing very weel as a team and they have Forster who is a goal machine.
My prediction: Mexico 1 – South Africa 2
Gloria’s Prediction: Bafana Bafana are back for the first time since hosting the World Cup in 2010 and as then, are playing the opening match of the tournament.
Having impressed in World Cup qualifying, they suffered a poor loss to Cameroon in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of this year. Their main problem is an inability to adapt; Cameroon caught them on the break at Afcon and Hugo Broos’ side seemingly had no Plan B.
Their 74-year-old Belgian head coach, who is stepping down after this World Cup, has brought belief to the squad and there are several talented youngsters pointing to a bright future. I fancy them to win this all the way.
My prediction: Mexico 2 – South Africa 3