MEXICO CITY — The largest World Cup in tournament history kicked off Thursday with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
Amid escalating protests and social tensions in Mexico’s capital, more than 80,000 fans made their way to Mexico City Stadium — better known as Azteca Stadium. It got a much-needed facelift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico is co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada.
The iconic venue will be the first stadium to host three World Cup openers — after doing so at the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
It is the eighth opening match of a World Cup for the Mexicans, who had previously lost five and drawn the last two, including against South Africa in the 2010 World Cup.
South Africa is playing in its first World Cup since hosting the 2010 tournament. Bafana Bafana also played in the 1998 and 2002 editions.
More coverage on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Who are the stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Your guide to the biggest World Cup fan festivals in New York and New Jersey
- 2026 FIFA World Cup dark horses: The five nations that could make a surprise run in the tournament
- Queens native accepting possible USMNT bench role as World Cup opens
Mexico arrived with an eight-match unbeaten streak and has not lost since last November, when Paraguay beat them in a friendly.
The Mexican team is led by the 67-year-old coach Javier Aguirre, who is in his third stint with the national team.
