Mexico vs South Africa live updates: World Cup 2026 opening game latest news and buildup
Hello and welcome along to The Athletic where it is finally time to kickoff the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The waiting is almost over as the tournament begins in Mexico City later on today, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa.
It is the first of two games today and the first of 104 – yes, one hundred and four — matches in the tournament over the next five weeks and change.
We will be building up to the opening game and the World Cup in general between now and kick-off, so make sure you stick with us!