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Find out which two teams are playing in the first game of the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup
Who is playing in the first game of the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico will play South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup in a rematch of the famous 2010 curtain-raiser.
When will the first game of the 2026 World Cup take place?
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa will take place Thursday 11th June, kicking off at 20:00 BST (13:00 Local Time).
Where will the first game of the 2026 World Cup be played?
Estadio Azteca in Mexico with a capacity of 87,523 people will host the first match of next summer's eagerly anticipated tournament.
11th June 2010 - South Africa 1-1 Mexico
Siphiwe Tshabalala's 55th minute opener is widely regarded as one of the most iconic goals scored in recent World Cup history.
Mexico's captain Rafael Márquez equalised with 11 minutes remaining to earn his side a point on a momentous occasion in Johannesburg.
