Mexico face South Africa in World Cup opener

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday night at 9pm (Malta time) with Mexico facing South Africa in the tournament's opening match.

Predictions give Mexico a 68% chance of victory, making them the clear favourites for the match. The host has been 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, is entering 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 will be 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. A win for South Africa could level the head-to-head record, though Mexico will have home advantage this time.

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The match will be played at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, with Mexico co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and the United States. Around 80,000 spectators are expected to fill 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+.