2026 World Cup: Mexico vs South Africa – preview, time and where to watch

The expanded 48-team era officially begins on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture offers a highly nostalgic throwback to 2010, when the same two nations clashed in the tournament’s memorable opening game in Johannesburg.
Mexico: Seeking Redemption on Historic Ground
Mexico makes history before kicking a single ball, becoming the first nation to host the men’s World Cup three separate times (following 1970 and 1986). Head coach Javier Aguirre, now in his third stint leading El Tri , faces massive pressure to wipe away the memories of their disappointing group-stage exit at Qatar 2022.
Though Mexico suffer...