Mexico played South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City [1, 2].

This inaugural match marks the start of a massive expansion for the tournament, which now features a larger field of competing nations and a denser schedule of games.

The match kicked off at 9 p.m. local time [4]. While some reports placed the opening date on June 11, 2026 [2, 5], other sources identified the date as June 12, 2026 [3, 6].

This tournament represents a significant shift in the global game. The 2026 edition includes 48 participating nations [5], an increase from previous iterations. These teams are divided into 12 pools [5], leading to a total of 104 matches throughout the competition [5].

Reports from the venue described a high-energy atmosphere. Birgit Herteleer said, "De Mexicanen zijn luider en volkser dan eender wie" [7]. The crowd size was substantial, and a reporter from NRC said "tienduizenden uitzinnige voetbalfans" witnessed the event [6].

Mexico entered the match as the host nation, playing before a home crowd in the historic Estadio Azteca [1, 2]. According to reporting from NRC, Mexico won the opening match [6].

The match served as the catalyst for the tournament's wide-scale rollout. The VI editorial team said the World Cup would truly begin on Thursday, June 11, at 9 p.m. [8].

“Mexico played South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

The 2026 World Cup's expanded format, increasing to 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly alters the tournament's duration and physical demands on players. By hosting the opener at the Estadio Azteca, FIFA leveraged one of the world's most iconic venues to signal the start of this new era of international football.