Mexico vs South Africa: What happened last time these two sides met in FIFA World Cup?

Mexico vs South Africa will be the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Mexico will take on underdogs South Africa in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 11, with the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosting the clash. Mexico, co-hosts of the expanded World Cup along with the United States and Canada, will be one of the favourites to top Group A, while minnows South Africa will face a tough fight to progress beyond the group stage.

For El Tri, the upcoming match is more than 90 minutes of football. Mexicans have had a rough time of late, with cartel violence rocking parts of the nation. Javier Aguirre’s men will carry the expectations of the 83,000-odd crowd, most of them supporting the home team, to make a deep run in the upcoming World Cup.

For South Africa, the goal is much simpler and more immediate – survive a group containing Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea. Ranked 60th in the FIFA men’s rankings, the Bafana Bafana enter the tournament as big underdogs, but will look to use their Europe-based players to upset the apple cart.

Also Read: Preview: Mexico vs South Africa prediction, odds, where to watch, time

Mexico vs South Africa: Previous FIFA World Cup meeting

Interestingly, this is not the first time these two teams have met on FIFA World Cup opening day. In the 2010 World Cup, hosts South Africa faced Mexico in the opening match at Soccer City in Johannesburg. This makes Mexico vs South Africa only the second fixture to feature more than once as the FIFA World Cup opener; only Brazil vs Mexico has achieved this feat.

On June 11, 2010, South Africa took to the field at Soccer City to face a strong Mexican side. The hosts were expected to suffer a big defeat, but Siphiwe Tshabalala’s left-footed rocket shot flew past Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez and nestled into the top corner to send the 84,490-strong crowd absolutely berserk with joy. The players then pulled off a “Macarena-style” dance routine to celebrate the historic goal.

Unfortunately for South Africa, Mexico equalised with 11 minutes remaining through Rafa Marquez. The hosts, despite their brave display, had to settle for a 1-1 draw. This ultimately contributed to South Africa’s group-stage elimination, despite a 2-1 win over France on the final day.

Interestingly, a few things remain unchanged for the Mexican national team from that match 16 years ago. Aguirre will be the Mexican head coach on Thursday, while Guillermo Ochoa will be making his sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 40.

South Africa, on the other hand, have changed a lot. Now being led by Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana have several players plying their trade in Europe, including Burnley forward Lyle Foster. For them, away from home, the upcoming match represents a chance to get the better of Mexico.

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