Mexico vs South Africa — World Cup, Group Stage - 1 (11 June 2026)
World Cup Group Stage - 1 
Estadio Banorte
Mexico vs South Africa
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Mexico open the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca
The 2026 World Cup opens with Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, a rematch of the 2010 opener and the start of a 48-team tournament.
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Mexico vs South Africa: why Chris Sutton is backing the hosts in the opener
Mexico vs South Africa starts World Cup 2026 on 11 June, with Chris Sutton backing the hosts on home advantage and squad depth.
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Mexico vs South Africa opens with football and tension in Mexico City
Mexico v South Africa opens the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, with home momentum, a strong opener record, South Africa’s return after 2010 and protest fears.
Lineups & ratings
Mexico
4-1-4-1 Coach Javier Aguirre
8 ↓66'
Fidalgo
3
25
23
Gallardo
9 ↓76'
16 ↓79'
5
15
Reyes
26 ↓66'
6 ↓76'
1
Rangel
- 19 Gilberto Mora for A. Fidalgo
- 24 Luis Chávez for B. Gutierrez
- 4 Edson Álvarez for E. Lira
- 14 Armando González for R. Jimenez
- 10 Alexis Vega for J. Quinones
- 2 Jorge Sánchez
- 7 Luis Romo
- 11
- 12 Carlos Acevedo
- 13 Guillermo Ochoa
- 17 Orbelín Pineda
- 18 Obed Vargas
- 20 Mateo Chávez
- 21 César Huerta
- 22 Guillermo Martínez
South Africa
5-3-2 Coach Hugo Broos
1
Williams
4
6 ↓77'
19
Sibisi
20
Mudau
9 ↓56'
15 ↓77'
Rayners
13
23 ↓61'
Adams
21
Okon
14
Mbokazi
- 5 Thalente Mbatha for L. Foster
- 11 Themba Zwane for J. Adams
- 7 Oswin Appollis for A. Modiba
- 17 Evidence Makgopa for I. Rayners
- 2 Tholo Thabang Matuludi
- 3 Khulumani Ndamane
- 8 Tshepang Moremi
- 10 Relebohile Mofokeng
- 12 Thapelo Maseko
- 16 Sipho Chaine
- 18 Samukelo Kabini
- 22 Ricardo Goss
- 24 Olwethu Makhanya
- 25 Kamogelo Sebelebele
- 26 Bradley Cross
Bench · Mexico
- 19 Gilberto Mora for A. Fidalgo
- 24 Luis Chávez for B. Gutierrez
- 4 Edson Álvarez for E. Lira
- 14 Armando González for R. Jimenez
- 10 Alexis Vega for J. Quinones
- 2 Jorge Sánchez
- 7 Luis Romo
- 11
- 12 Carlos Acevedo
- 13 Guillermo Ochoa
- 17 Orbelín Pineda
- 18 Obed Vargas
- 20 Mateo Chávez
- 21 César Huerta
- 22 Guillermo Martínez
Bench · South Africa
- 5 Thalente Mbatha for L. Foster
- 11 Themba Zwane for J. Adams
- 7 Oswin Appollis for A. Modiba
- 17 Evidence Makgopa for I. Rayners
- 2 Tholo Thabang Matuludi
- 3 Khulumani Ndamane
- 8 Tshepang Moremi
- 10 Relebohile Mofokeng
- 12 Thapelo Maseko
- 16 Sipho Chaine
- 18 Samukelo Kabini
- 22 Ricardo Goss
- 24 Olwethu Makhanya
- 25 Kamogelo Sebelebele
- 26 Bradley Cross