The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday night at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in the tournament’s opening match. Both teams have confirmed their starting line-ups, with Mexico expected to line up in a 4-3-3 system and South Africa adopting a more defensive shape.
Mexico enter the match in strong form. Javier Aguirre’s side won all three of their warm-up matches and now aim to begin their home World Cup campaign with another victory in front of a packed crowd.
Captain Edson Alvarez anchors the midfield alongside Brian Gutierrez and Erik Lira. Raul Rangel starts in goal behind a back four of Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez and Jesus Gallardo.
In attack, Roberto Alvarado and Julian Quinones will support veteran striker Raul Jimenez, who leads the line for El Tri.
Mexico XI: Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Edson Alvarez (captain); Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones.
South Africa arrive under pressure after four matches without a win. However, head coach Hugo Broos believes his side can compete despite facing one of the tournament hosts in their own stadium.
Ronwen Williams captains the visitors and starts in goal. Broos has packed his defence with extra protection, using three central defenders alongside wing-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba.
The midfield trio of Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole and Jayden Adams will try to disrupt Mexico’s rhythm, while Burnley forward Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners carry the attacking threat.
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams (captain); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners.
The match also renews a World Cup opening-day fixture from 2010, when South Africa launched their home tournament. Sixteen years later, the spotlight falls on Mexico as the first ball of the expanded 48-team World Cup gets rolling.
