Mexico and South Africa play the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City as the tournament enters its expanded 48-team era. Multiple outlets frame the game as a rematch of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa again. Coverage focuses on match details ahead of kickoff, including teams and expected lineups, along with how to follow the game. Separate previews and live-update formats describe the match as the first competitive appearance of the World Cup schedule in its new format. Other reports also include viewing information for audiences looking for where to watch and how to follow the opener. A live-updates approach tracks the game’s progress from kickoff onward, while preview pieces highlight the significance of the occasion as the tournament’s start and the context of Mexico and South Africa meeting again in an opening game pairing. Across sources, the central point is that the World Cup begins with Mexico vs South Africa on the opening day of the 2026 tournament in Mexico City.