previewJune 8, 2026· AEON Desk

Opening night: Mexico vs South Africa at the Azteca

The only stadium to host three World Cups gets the honour again. Co-hosts Mexico start as heavy favourites in Group A.

Javier Aguirre's Mexico open on home soil with a raucous Azteca behind them. South Africa, back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010, arrive as Group A's longest shot but with nothing to lose.

Group A

Mexico

South Africa