Mexico city: The 2026 World Cup is set to open Thursday with co-host Mexico playing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The two teams last played in 2010, when host South Africa faced Mexico in the opening match that resulted in a 1-1 draw, with a memorable goal by South African Siphiwe Tshabalala 16 years ago. The Estadio Azteca will make history by hosting the opening match for the third time, 40 years after Mexico hosted its second World Cup in 1986.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre expressed his excitement and the unique significance of the event. "In my 50 years in soccer, I've never experienced a greater thrill than a World Cup at home. This is an unforgettable moment," Aguirre said at a news conference before the match. He emphasized the importance of maintaining emotional balance and how the home-field advantage would only be beneficial if the players handle the pressure effectively.

Much of this emotional balance will rely on key players such as captain Edson Alvarez, veteran striker Raul Jimenez, and rising star Armando Gonzalez. Aguirre noted that the team is well-prepared for the challenge of opening the tournament in front of more than 80,000 fans.

South Africa, known as 'Bafana Bafana,' returns to the World Cup after hosting in 2010, now under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos. In his four-year tenure, Broos has transformed the team from struggling in qualifiers to achieving impressive results, including a third-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the quarterfinals last year. The team is built on strong teamwork, with goalkeeping captain Ronwen Williams, right back Khuliso Mudau, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena forming the team's backbone.

After their draw against Mexico in 2010, South Africa is eager to secure a victory in this 'away game' as they face off in the World Cup opener.