Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday night with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match.

Mexico were the better team and lived up to predictions that gave them a 68% chance of victory. With a goal in either half, the hosts made their winning debut in the tournament. Mexico were unbeaten in their last eight matches, equalling the longest unbeaten run they have ever taken into a World Cup.

South Africa, ranked 60th by FIFA, entered the tournament as underdogs against 14th-ranked Mexico, a regular presence at the World Cup. South Africa are also marking their return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, having last appeared when they hosted the tournament in 2010.

Thursday’s match was the fifth meeting between the two teams, with Mexico having won twice and South Africa once. Their last encounter came in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, when they played out a 1-1 draw.

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The match was played at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, with Mexico co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and the United States. Around 80,000 spectators filled the stadium, which is also set to make history as the first venue to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches. 

The stadium has also staged some of football’s most famous moments, including Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.

Mexico and South Africa will be the first Group A teams in action, before Czechia face South Korea on Friday.

The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 32, which is being introduced at the World Cup for the first time.

Fanzones have been set up across Malta for fans who want to watch the opening match with a crowd, including at Campus Hub and the National Aquarium. Bars across the island, especially in Paceville and Sliema, are also expected to show the game.

For those who would rather stay home, the match will be shown live on TVM+.