For the first time ever the first match of the World Cup is a repeat, as Mexico and South Africa reprise their 2010 showdown

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway today as Mexico hosts South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Join us as we count down to kickoff, and get involved by chatting with us here or by emailing live@theathletic.

Mexico and South African begin the 2026 World Cup in a repeat of the famed 2010 opener.

The 2026 World Cup opening game will go down in history after breaking a longtime record. And it's not a good one.

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener at Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez thrilling the home crowd.

Keep up with all the action from Mexico City as the 2026 World Cup gets underway.

The Mexico vs South Africa game has kicked off the 2026 World Cup. Follow the score, team news, key moments and more as the soccer tournament begins in Mexico City.

Read through South Africa's World Cup history and memorable moments. Follow their road to the tournament with the latest on their fixtures, group and coach.

Amad Diallo's dramatic late goal helped Ivory Coast beat Ecuador and secure Africa's first win at the 2026 World Cup while ending La Tri's 19-match unbeaten run.

In a game that saw more red cards than goals, Mexico has won the opening match of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.

Forward Julián Quiñones scored a goal in the first nine minutes, and spirits were high at the embassy’s Washington D.C. watch party where mini-burritos, cervezas and — in a nod to the bilateral relationship — McDonald’s hamburgers and walking tacos were flowing freely.