A conflict between Mexico and South Africa on the well-known Estadio Azteca in Mexico Metropolis will get the 2026 World Cup underway on Thursday, at 9PM(Central African Time).
The sport will reunite the 2 nationwide groups that additionally met within the opening sport of the 2010 event, drawing 1-1 in Johannesburg.
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Mexico will likely be trying to make a powerful begin in entrance of their house followers after a disappointing group-stage exit on the 2022 World Cup. South Africa, in the meantime, return to the worldwide stage for the primary time since 2010 and hope to achieve the knockout rounds for the primary time of their historical past.
Occasions Sport break down What to anticipate as Mexico tackle South Africa within the 2026 World Cup opener:
Gamers to observe:
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Williams was named Greatest Goalkeeper on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after producing a number of essential saves and serving to Bafana Bafana safe a third-place end. He could possibly be the busiest participant on the pitch.
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Lyle Foster (South Africa)
The Burnley striker is predicted to guide South Africa's assault. Final season, Foster scored three targets and offered two assists within the English Premier League. His tempo and motion may trigger issues for the Mexican defence.
Raul Jimenez (Mexico)
The skilled striker stays considered one of Mexico's high weapons. Jimenez brings years of worldwide expertise and will likely be anticipated to guide the hosts' assault with energy.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
Though unlikely to start out, Ochoa has made historical past by being included in Mexico's World Cup squad for a sixth event, greater than another goalkeeper in World Cup historical past.
Key statistics:
South Africa and Mexico have a historical past on the World Cup stage, having drawn 1-1 within the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana are returning to the event for the primary time since internet hosting it in 2010 and are nonetheless looking for their first look within the knockout levels.
Mexico, in the meantime, had reached the Spherical of 16 in seven consecutive World Cups earlier than struggling a group-stage exit in 2022.
The match will likely be performed on the iconic Estadio Azteca, the one stadium in historical past to have hosted two FIFA World Cup finals.
