Mexico City. FIFA World Cup 2026 is going to start at midnight (12:30 AM Indian time) on Thursday-Friday. The first match of the biggest edition of the tournament (which will have 104 matches) will be played in Group A between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the famous Mexico City Stadium. This match brings back memories of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, when these two teams faced each other in the first match of the tournament on African soil.
Under the leadership of coach Javier Aguirre, Mexico will enter this match on home soil with great expectations. The veteran coach described the occasion as a “once in a lifetime emotional moment” for his team. The day before the match, Aguirre said, “I have never felt more excitement in my 50 years of football than playing the World Cup on home soil. It is a huge thing and the team is feeling it deeply.”
The South African team, coached by Hugo Bruce, has also qualified brilliantly from CAF Group C. Despite being in a difficult group like Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic, they have come here with full confidence. Bruce acknowledged the hosts’ strength, calling Mexico “the strongest team in the group”, but added that his team was prepared to play the full 90 minutes.
“We will fight for every part of the field and every ball,” Bruce said. South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena also echoed the same sentiment and stressed the importance of the opening match. “Expectations are very high. It will be a great match and atmosphere. We are excited and ready,” he said. Group A also includes South Korea and Czech Republic, and both these teams will start their campaign later in the group stage.
This match also has historical significance, as South Africa and Mexico faced each other in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg 16 years ago. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a memorable opening goal in that match, in response to which Rafael Marquez scored for Mexico. The Mexico City stadium, which has previously hosted World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986, will host five matches in the tournament. These will include Mexico’s group-stage matches and knockout games.
Bengaluru: A football fan arranges souvenirs for the FIFA World Cup 2026, in Bengaluru
Live streaming and live telecast of FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches in India will be available on ZEE5 platform and app. For which subscription will be required. The live telecast of FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available in India on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
Time: Friday, June 12 12:30 AM (Indian time)
Place: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Ref: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
VAR: Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chen, Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss.
Defender: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Khulumani Nadamane, Thabang Matuludi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Olwethi Makhanya.
Midfielder: Teboho Mokoena, Sphelo Sithole, Thalante Mbatha, Jayden Adams.
Forward: Themba Jwane, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Apolis, Ikram Reiners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi.
Goalkeeper: Carlos Acevedo, Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa.
Defender: Edson Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez.Midfielder: Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Eric Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Orbelin Pineda.
Forward: Alexis Vega, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Guillermo Martínez, Julián Quiñones, Raul Jiménez, Santiago Giménez.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A matches will begin on Friday morning, with Korea Republic facing Czechia at the Guadalajara Stadium. It is expected to be an exciting encounter on the first day. This will be the first clash between these two teams in the World Cup. Korea Republic will enter the field with the experience of playing in 11 consecutive World Cups, while Czechia is returning to the global stage after a gap of 20 years, which increases the importance of their first match. The match will start at 7.30 am Indian time. Korea Republic will be captained by Son Heungmin, who will be supported by Lee Kangin and Lee Jaesung in attack.
Basking Ridge: Ahead of the World Cup football opener against Brazil, Morocco’s star winger Abde Azzazouli and defender Nayef Aguerde have been ruled out due to injuries. FIFA confirmed on Wednesday night that both players have been ruled out of Morocco’s World Cup squad due to injury. With the help of Ezzajuli’s brilliant performances, Real Betis have secured a place in the Champions League next season. Aguirre was one of the key defenders of the Moroccan team that reached the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In their place, Amine Sabai and Marwane Saadane have been given place in the team.
