Mexico faced South Africa on June 11, 2026 [1], in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico City [1].

The event marks the official start of the global tournament, serving as a high-profile introduction to the competition's atmosphere and organizational capacity. As a host nation, Mexico's ability to successfully launch the event is central to the tournament's early momentum.

The match took place at the Estadio Azteca, where the teams were preceded by a large-scale opening ceremony [1], [3]. The festivities included a performance by Shakira, drawing international attention to the start of the games [3].

This kickoff followed a period of tension in the host city. Earlier this month, thousands of protesters threatened to boycott the opening match [2]. The unrest created a climate of uncertainty regarding the security and stability of the event's commencement.

Addressing the concerns of the public and international community, the president of Mexico said, "Alles onder controle" [2]. The statement was intended to reassure stakeholders that the government had the situation managed.

Despite the threats of disruption, the event proceeded as planned. A presenter for VRT NWS said, "Het WK voetbal is begonnen! Vanavond speelt gastland Mexico de openingsmatch tegen Zuid‑Afrika" [1]. The opening ceremony took place, and the match started as scheduled [1].

The match represents the first of many fixtures across the shared host regions, beginning the journey toward the final championship title. The presence of South Africa in the opening slot highlights the global reach of the tournament's initial stage.

“The tournament began June 11 with an opening ceremony and match at Estadio Azteca.”

The successful execution of the opening match despite significant domestic protests suggests that the Mexican government was able to maintain operational control over the venue. By neutralizing the threat of a boycott at the Estadio Azteca, organizers have avoided a potential PR crisis that could have overshadowed the sporting competition and affected the tournament's global image.