The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs. South Africa on Thursday, June 11, and you can wager on the match now at FanDuel

This year's match against South Africa adds to a long history of first matches that reveal El Tri's form and ambition.

Stadium entry points and concourses are equipped with advanced facial recognition software and AI-powered monitoring systems. These tools scan faces in real-time, matching them against security databases.

Mexico host South Africa in the tournament opener after Fifa president Infantino told people to “chill, relax” over the controversial saga involving a Somali referee

Bafana Bafana are set to take on Mexico in their World Cup opener, with coach Hugo Broos expressing confidence in his team’s readiness to face a formidable opponent on home turf.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 starts on Thursday, Mexico are up against South Africa in the opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Heres how the capital city is preparing for the mega clash.