Mexico and South Africa will kick off the 2026 World Cup with a match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11. The historic match will see the stadium become the first venue to ever host three World Cups.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener, ​insisting they are ready to fight for every ball against the ‌group's "strongest team".

Mexico will not be taking anything for granted when they host South Africa in Thursday's World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, according to El Tri head coach Javier Aguirre.

Mexico should benefit from home-field advantage on Day 1 of the World Cup. Here's how Will Hill is wagering on El Tri.

SportsLine's Martin Green reveals his South Africa vs. Mexico best bets for the World Cup 2026 opener on Thursday

The 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday in Mexico City, as host country Mexico battles South Africa in the first group-stage match of the tournament.

Mexico and South Africa open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday. Check out the latest betting odds and predictions.

Mexico face South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 men's World Cup on Thursday, as a party atmosphere will descend on the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. WATCH — Mexico v South Africa Javier Aguirre's Mexico have looked really good in warm-up friendlies but the pressure is on to get off to a flying start on home soil,