Sixteen years ago, in Johannesburg, South Africa and Mexico kicked off the first World Cup ever held on African soil with a 1-1 draw that will remain memorable. Today, those two nations meet again, but this time, the roles are reversed, Yankee Scores reports
The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today as El Tri faces Bafana Bafana in a Group A opener filled with nostalgia and excitement. The nation is eager for a deep run on home soil, per ESPN.
Siphiwe Tshabalala and the first goal of 2010 ⚽️
Who will score the first goal of #FIFAWorldCup 2026? pic.twitter.com/BqylOCGcbb
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2026
Mexico’s Moment
This match is more than just a group-stage game for Mexico. El Tri makes history before even starting as they become the first nation to host the men’s World Cup three times. They previously hosted the tournament alone in 1970 and 1986.
Head coach Javier Aguirre, now in his third stint in charge, has spent the past year rebuilding confidence after a disappointing Qatar 2022 campaign. The results have improved.
Mexico held Portugal and Belgium to draws before winning three straight matches, including a dominant 5-1 victory over Serbia last Friday in Toluca.
Raúl Jiménez leads the attack in a 4-3-3 formation, with Edson Álvarez anchoring the midfield and Roberto Alvarado adding creativity on the wing.
One selection to watch is veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is in the squad and close to a record sixth World Cup appearance for Mexico. However, José Rangel started the spring friendlies and may get the opportunity.
🇲🇽🧤How many #FIFAWorldCup tournaments for Guillermo Ochoa? pic.twitter.com/ZzEMTvvJYC
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 10, 2026
Bafana Bafana’s Redemption Arc
For South Africa, just being here is significant. They return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010. Surviving 90 minutes in a packed Estadio Azteca Stadium without being overwhelmed would already be a success.
Hugo Broos has his team set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focused on defensive structure and balance, with two holding midfielders protecting the back four.
The key player up front is Lyle Foster, a striker from Burnley. He is the clear starter but had an inconsistent March window, missing several chances against Panama.
South Africa’s performance today largely depends on whether Foster shows up.
The 2010 Echo
The last time these teams faced each other at the World Cup, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s spectacular strike, one of the most memorable goals in tournament history, opened the scoring before Rafael Marquez equalized for Mexico.
That 1-1 draw in Johannesburg set the tone for a tournament filled with drama. Tonight in Mexico City, both teams hope for a different outcome. Mexico needs a win to set the tone in Group A. South Africa aims to prove they belong.
The World Cup is back.
