World Cup Day 1️⃣ Essentials: What you need to know before kick-off | OneFootball

The long wait is over. The day is finally here.

In front of a sold out crowd in Mexico City today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup here gets under way.

This is everything you need to know about day one of action.

🏟️ Who is playing?

The tournament kicks off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday as the host nation welcome South Africa to get things going.

Both nations have previous experience of taking part in the opening game as a result of their hosting duties.

In 1970, Mexico drew 0-0 with USSR in the first game of the tournament at the same venue in front of over 107,000 spectators.

Forty years later, Siphiwe Tshabalala wrote his name into African football folklore with the opening goal of the World Cup in a game that would end in a 1-1 draw.

And who did that fixture take place against? Today's opponents! Making this a repeat of the 2010 opening game.

👀 Why should we watch?

As explained already, this game is the second time these nations have met in the curtain raiser to international football's biggest tournament.

For South Africa, they will be eyeing a bit of revenge over El Tri who spoiled the party somewhat in Johannesburg when Rafael Márquez's late leveller denied them what would have been an iconic win.

But seeing Mexico at home backed by one of the most passionate and colourful fanbases in the competition will be an undoubted treat as they aim to send the majority inside the stadium home happy.

In addition, the opening game of the tournament is never one to be missed and this is one is no exception - setting the tone for all of the drama that will follow in the biggest World Cup yet.

💎 Who are the men to look out for?

Gilberto Mora

At the age of 17 years and 240 days, Tijuana playmaker is the youngest player of any side competing at this summer's World Cup.

He has already made history by becoming his country's youngest ever player and appearing in this fixture would see him become their youngest ever World Cup representative too.

The teenager has the world at his feet and the fact that he has already won almost 10 caps (including a starting berth in the Gold Cup final) and racked up more than 50 appearances at club level are testament to the trust he has already earned.

Will this tournament be Mora's arrival on the global stage?

Ronwen Williams

The key to Bafana Bafana's hopes this summer will come from experienced goalkeeper and captain Williams.

The 34-year-old is heading for Mexico full of confidence after a successful club campaign which saw him clinch African Champions League glory with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Williams has also gained a reputation as something of a penalty-saving expert too - you only need to recall the 2023 AFCON showdown with Cape Verde as proof of that when he kept out an incredible four efforts in their quarter-final shootout.

🔥 What can we expect?

📸 Clive Mason - 2010 Getty Images

Before the whistle is even blown to kickstart the festival of football we, of course, have the opening ceremony to look forward to.

That promises to be filled with the usual pomp and ceremony that only the occasion of a World Cup can provide.

On the field, since these sides drew 1-1 in 2010, all opening games have witnessed decisive victors.

With home advantage and an expectant audience looking on, the pressure will be on Mexico to get their tournament tilt off to the best possible start.

🔮 Prediction

Mexico 2-1 South Africa

📸 Hector Vivas - 2026 Getty Images