Summary
Editorial review completed.
- The opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature co-host Mexico facing South Africa at Mexico City Stadium.
- Mexico, ranked 14th in FIFA rankings, and South Africa, placed 60th, will meet for the second time in World Cup history.
- Mexico remains unbeaten in their last five matches while South Africa has yet to secure a win recently.
May 28, Kathmandu – The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will see co-host Mexico take on South Africa. The match will kick off at Mexico City Stadium at 12:45 AM Nepali time.
Mexico, ranked 14th in the FIFA rankings, and South Africa, ranked 60th, are set to face each other for the second time in World Cup history. Their first encounter was at the 2010 World Cup.
In that match, played on South African soil, the teams drew 1–1. Overall, Mexico holds a superior record with two wins compared to South Africa’s one victory.
Mexico will be participating in their 18th World Cup, with their best achievements being reaching the quarterfinals in 1970 and 1986. However, their recent World Cups have seen them exit at the group stage. This time, playing at home, Mexico aims to perform strongly and advance further.
South Africa will be making their fifth World Cup appearance. They first qualified in 1998 but have yet to progress beyond the group stage. Their objective this tournament is to start well by surprising Mexico on their home turf.
Mexico holds the advantage of playing at home and is favored due to a higher FIFA ranking compared to South Africa. The South African team, ranked 60th, is seen as the underdog facing the 14th-ranked Mexico. However, coach Hugo Broos is confident in his squad’s ability to cause an upset.
In their last five matches, Mexico remains unbeaten with three wins and two draws, while South Africa has one win, two draws, and two losses.
The young prospect for the home side is 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who debuted for Mexico at age 16, becoming their youngest player. The Mexican squad also includes experienced players such as Edson Álvarez, Atletico Madrid’s promising midfielder Óscar Vargás, and forward Raúl Jiménez.
South Africa’s captain and reliable goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is among their most experienced and vital players. Key contributors include Oswin Appolis and Lyle Foster, who are considered crucial weapons for the team.
South Africa, having hosted the World Cup in 2010, is returning to the tournament after 16 years. Despite a shocking 2–1 victory over France in 2010, South Africa failed to advance past the group stage in that tournament.
Match Details
Fixture: Mexico vs South Africa
Venue: Mexico City Stadium
Time: 12:45 AM
Referee: Wilton Sampaio
Mexico’s recent five-match record: 3 Wins, 2 Draws
South Africa’s recent five-match record: 1 Win, 2 Draws, 2 Losses
