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South Africa return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010 (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins with an exciting clash between hosts Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match marks the start of the first-ever World Cup hosted by three nations- Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The opening match will be played on Thursday, June 11, with kickoff scheduled for:
Indian football fans can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener live on:
Led by experienced manager Javier Aguirre, Mexico enter the tournament in strong form, unbeaten in their last eight matches. Backed by passionate home support, El Tri will look to begin their campaign with a victory.
Fans will also be eager to see teenage sensation Gilberto Mora, who could become one of the youngest players ever to feature in a World Cup.
South Africa return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010. Despite entering as underdogs, Hugo Broos' side has shown resilience throughout qualification and will be hoping to upset the hosts.
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The two nations have met twice previously at the World Cup level, with South Africa remaining unbeaten against Mexico.
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)
Defenders: Israel Reyes (Club América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Mateo Chávez (PSV)
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe), Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana), César Huerta (Anderlecht), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow)
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Armando González (Chivas), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)
Location : New Delhi
Published : 11 June 2026, 4:24 PM IST
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