The long wait is finally over as Mexico and South Africa open the 2026 FIFA World Cup today at Estadio Azteca.
This Group A fixture revisits their 2010 meeting as the African tournament hosts faced Mexico in the opening game. The atmosphere promises to be electric with home support heavily behind El Tri.
Mexico’s lineup blends reliable veterans with emerging talent: Raúl Rangel starts in goal, defended by César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo and Israel Reyes. The midfield includes Érik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutiérrez, while Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones lead the attack. Jiménez is one of the key players to watch for his poaching instincts and Gutiérrez for his midfield creativity.
South Africa counters with experience and athleticism: Captain Ronwen Williams mans the goal, with defenders Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba. Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole control the midfield, while Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi offer attacking threat. Williams is a player to watch for his commanding presence, Mokoena for midfield drive, and Foster for his movement up front.
The teams have met once before in a World Cup, drawing 1-1 in the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring a memorable goal for the hosts before Rafael Márquez equalized.
LAST THREE MEETINGS H2H
South Africa won 2-1 in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The two sides drew 1-1 in the 2010 World Cup
Mexico beat South Africa 4-2 in a 2000 friendly.
LINE-UPS
MEXICO STARTING XI (FORMATION: 4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: 1. Raúl Rangel
Defenders: 15. Israel Reyes, 3. César Montes (Captain), 5. Johan Vásquez, 23. Jesús Gallardo
Midfielders: 6. Erik Lira, 8. Álvaro Fidalgo, 26. Brian Gutiérrez
Forwards: 25. Roberto Alvarado, 9. Raúl Jiménez, 16. Julián Quiñones
Manager: Javier Aguirre
SOUTH AFRICA STARTING XI
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Captain)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis
Manager: Broos Hugo
