The historic FIFA World Cup 2026 begins today, Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the official curtain-raiser taking place in Mexico City.
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| History in the Making: Everything You Need to Know About the Biggest World Cup Ever |
The opening matchday features an exciting double-header in Group A as the tournament rolls out its brand new, expanded 48-team format.Today's Match Schedule
Mexico vs. South Africa
Kickoff: 3:00 PM AST
Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) — Mexico City, Mexico
Context: This massive opening fixture is a direct reversal of the iconic 2010 World Cup opening game in Johannesburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Co-hosts Mexico enter the pitch under manager Javier Aguirre and assistant coach Rafael Márquez (who scored the equalizer back in 2010), looking to capitalize on a raucous home crowd. Hugo Broos’ South Africa qualified convincingly at the top of their CAF group and are eager to play the role of spoiler.
South Korea vs. Czech Republic
Kickoff:10:00 PM AST
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium — Guadalajara, Mexico
Context: The second match of the day wraps up the opening round for Group A, featuring a highly competitive tactical clash between Asian powerhouse South Korea and a disciplined Czech Republic side.
Up Next: Tomorrow's Schedule (June 12, 2026)
The tournament shifts to the remaining co-hosts tomorrow with critical Group B and Group D matchups:
Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — 3:00 PM AST (Toronto Stadium)
United States vs. Paraguay — 9:00 PM AST (Los Angeles Stadium).
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| Mexico football club |
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the hosts have taken an early advantage! Mexico currently leads South Africa 1–0 in the first half at a raucous Estadio Azteca.
Match Status
Score: Mexico 1 – 0 South Africa
Time:12th Minute (First Half)
Venue: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium)
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026™ — Group Stage (Group A) Key Moments
9th Minute — GOAL (Mexico): Julián Quiñones capitalizes on a defensive mix-up from South Africa. Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams passed it short out from the back to Yaya Sithole, who was quickly closed down by Érik Lira. The ball broke loose to Julián Quiñones, who kept his cool, drove into the box, and slotted it through the keeper's legs to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
5th Minute — Big Sa Beforer to the goal, Raúl Jiménez met a sharp cross on the edge of the area, forcing Ronwen Williams into an excellent diving save low to his right to keep the match level early on.
Starting Lineups
Mexico XI (4-1-2-3):
Raúl Rangel (GK); Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Érik Lira; Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.South Africa XI (5-3-2):
Ronwen Williams (GK); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Jayden Adams, Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners. 
The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium ended with a 2–0 victory for Mexico over South Africa in their Group A clash.
Match Summary
Mexico made an ideal start to their home tournament, dominant in possession and creating consistent pressure. South Africa's tactical game plan was heavily disrupted early in the second half by disciplinary issues
