المكسيكضدجنوب أفريقيا

Mexico meet South Africa at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, 2026, match 1 of the tournament and an opening statement — first impressions in a three-game sprint carry real weight. Group A sends its top two through automatically, with the eight best third-placed teams across all twelve groups also advancing — so neither side can afford a flat ninety minutes.

Mexico City provides the stage — hosts the tournament opener, becoming the first stadium ever to feature in three different men’s World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026). Kickoff is 13:00 stadium time (CST); fans of Mexico and South Africa can check the exact hour back home in the times panel below.