2026 FIFA World Cup Opener: Mexico Vs South Africa Starting Eleven

Mexico and South Africa have confirmed their starting line-ups for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, with the tournament kicking off in Mexico City at 8 p.m. tonight, June 11.

History will be revisited as the two nations meet in a World Cup opener for the second time, exactly 16 years after their 1-1 draw in Johannesburg at the 2010 tournament. It is the first time in FIFA World Cup history that an opening fixture has been repeated from a previous edition.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has named veteran striker Raul Jimenez to lead the attack alongside Julian Quinones and Roberto Alvarado in a 4-1-2-3 formation. Luis Angel Malagon’s absence sees Raul Rangel start in goal, while captain Cesar Montes anchors the defence alongside Johan Vasquez.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has opted for a defensive 5-3-2 setup, with Burnley forward Lyle Foster partnering Iqraam Rayners in attack. Midfield responsibility falls on Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams and Yaya Sithole, while Ronwen Williams captains the side from goal.

Mexico head into the game as favourites to top Group A and arrive in strong form, having won six of their previous eight matches while keeping six clean sheets. El Tri are also unbeaten in their last seven World Cup opening matches, recording five wins and two draws since 1994.

The hosts carry the unwanted record of playing more World Cup matches than any other nation without winning the trophy, with 60 appearances in tournament fixtures. Nevertheless, confidence is high among supporters after a run that has produced 15 goals and a solid defensive record.

The tournament marks a return to the World Cup stage for South Africa for the first time since 2010 and only their fourth appearance overall. Bafana Bafana secured qualification by finishing ahead of Nigeria in their qualifying group and conceded the lead in only one of their ten qualifying matches.

Despite that achievement, South Africa arrive on the back of a difficult run, having recorded three draws and two defeats in their last five outings.

Mexico Starting XI: Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira; Alvaro Fidalgo, Bryan Gutierrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones.

South Africa Starting XI: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Jayden Adams, Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners.