This evening the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host Mexico-South Africa (same opening match as South Africa 2010, the unforgettable Tshabalala’s splendid goal which gave Bafana Bafana the lead, then joined by Rafa Marquez’s goal which set the score at 1-1), becoming the first venue in the world to inaugurate three World Cups, after those of 1970 and 1986. The whistle The start time is set for 9pm Italian time, even if the evening will start earlier. The big news concerns the inauguration ceremony, given that FIFA has decided to break the tradition of the only major event. Since this is the first edition expanded to 48 teams and hosted by three countries (United States, Mexico and Canada), there will be as many ceremonies, one for each nation, spread over different days. Tonight, Thursday 11 June, will open the tournament, the other two will follow on Friday in Toronto and Saturday in Los Angeles. The Azteca Stadium, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the occasion, will turn on the lights around 7.30pm, when the pre-match show will begin on the pitch.
Who performs at the opening ceremony
Shakira opens, now a recurring presence in the World Cup ceremonies, who will sing the official song Come on together with Burna Boy. With her on the Mexican stage Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla. The next day it will be Toronto’s turn, with Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé among the guests, and on Saturday Los Angeles will close with Katy Perry.
Where to watch Mexico-South Africa live on TV and streaming
The match will be broadcast on DAZN, which holds the exclusive rights to the 2026 World Cup, via the app on smart TVs and, in streaming, on smartphones, tablets and the website with a subscription. The DAZN commentary is entrusted to Pierluigi Pardo with Emanuele Giaccherini providing technical commentary. The match can also be followed free-to-air on Rai Uno, with the Bizzotto-Stramaccioni pair, and in streaming on RaiPlay.
Probable lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Pineda, Álvarez, Vargas; Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones. All. Aguirre.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Foster. All. Broos.
