The 2026 World Cup starts! Mexico, with pressure from Azteca, debuts against a South Africa that is looking for a surprise

The Aztec team, led by Javier Aguirre, opens at home against the South Africans in a Group A that promises strong emotions.

The world football festival is about to begin, and the Azteca Stadium, that colossus steeped in history, will be the scene of the first major duel of Group A in the 2026 World Cup. Mexico, the host team, faces South Africa in a match that promises to be much more than a simple match. The pressure falls on the shoulders of the Aztec team, which not only seeks to get the tournament off to a good start, but also to make history in front of its fans.

Javier Aguirre, the 'Basque', returns to the Mexico bench with the enormous responsibility of guiding his team to higher levels. This World Cup, which is held on North American soil sharing venues with the United States and Canada, is shaping up to be a spectacular edition, full of passion and top-level football. Group A, which is completed by South Korea and the Czech Republic, appears a priori affordable for the Mexicans, who have a clear objective not only to qualify, but to do so as leaders.

Mexico's recent results in its friendly preparation matches have been a balm for the confidence of the team and its fans. The Aztec team has demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest level, achieving creditable draws against European powers such as Belgium (1-1) and Portugal (0-0). Furthermore, they have shown their scoring strength by beating Ghana (2-0), Australia (1-0) and defeating Serbia (5-1), making it clear that they arrive in great shape.

On the other hand, South Africa comes to this match with a more irregular background in its last matches. The African team has shown flashes of quality, but has also suffered from inconsistency. Their recent friendlies have seen mixed results, including two meetings against Panama (with a 1-1 draw and a 1-2 loss), a goalless draw against Nicaragua (0-0) and a narrow victory against Jamaica (0-1). South Africa's objective at the Azteca is none other than to make a splash and score points against a theoretically superior rival.

The match is scheduled for this Thursday, June 11, at 9:00 p.m., an ideal time for the Mexican fans to support their team. The expectation is maximum, and the Azteca will dress up to receive the protagonists of this inaugural clash.

For those who cannot attend the stadium, the options to follow the match are varied. The broadcast will be available through the DAZN and DAZN Mundial platforms. In addition, the BarTV Mundial channel (M300) from Movistar Plus+ will offer the signal. For those who prefer to watch it openly, La 1 de TVE and its website, RTVE Play, will be in charge of broadcasting the match. Even the regional channel La 2 Cat adds to the coverage. And to be up to date with all the information, the Mundo Deportivo website will offer live monitoring.