The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here, and the expanded 48-team tournament wastes no time in delivering a marquee opening. Two Group A fixtures launch the competition across a total of 104 games, with the first taking centre stage at a storied venue.

Mexico and South Africa reopen a historic rivalry

Co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in the tournament's first match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, preceded by the first of three official opening ceremonies. The occasion features a glittering entertainmentlineup — Shakira, Burna Boy, and Salma Hayek are among the performers set to launch the summer of football.

The fixture carries unmistakable historical weight. Sixteen years ago at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Siphiwe Tshabalala's celebrated strike helped the Bafana Bafana to a memorable opening-day result against El Tri. Now Mexico City hosts the rematch, and in a striking twist, Javier Aguirre — the same manager who guided Mexico in 2010 — is once again in the dugout. After a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar in 2022, Aguirre and his side are eager to begin this campaign on a stronger footing.

South Korea and Czech Republic battle for Group A ground

Later, attention moves to Guadalajara where South Korea take on the Czech Republic in the second Group A match of the day. Son Heung-min captains the Taegeuk Warriors and will carry familiar expectations into the contest. The forward, who joined MLS club LAFC last summer, knows the North American football landscape well.

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, return to the World Cup stage for the first time in 20 years. Their previous appearance ended without a place in the knockout rounds, as Ghana eliminated them at the 2006 tournament in Germany — a result that still resonates in Czech football history.

With the best-performing third-place teams in each group advancing to the Round of 32 under the new 48-team format, neither side can afford a careless opening result. Both teams understand that an early positive showing could prove decisive before the group reaches its conclusion.