The build-up is finished and we are able to lastly stay up for the primary recreation of the 2026 World Cup with co-hosts Mexico taking up South Africa on the Azteca Stadium.
The strain is on the house aspect to get off to a win in Group A that additionally incorporates South Korea and Czechia.
They received’t lack for expertise within the dugout with Javier Aguirre main Mexico at a World Cup for the third time (after 2002 and 2010).
The co-hosts reached the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, when the competitors was performed in Mexico, and shall be aiming to go deep once more.
“I’m neither nervous nor anxious – I’m genuinely excited,” Aguirre mentioned.
“I’m one of many fortunate ones, really fortunate. We’re in our greatest bodily, athletic and even psychological form. The gamers are very excited. None of them has skilled something like this earlier than. We’re all looking forward to the second to reach.
“Let’s hope it [the match] is an efficient one and lives as much as the event. That’s what I inform my gamers, taking part in at house is priceless.”
South Africa are of their first World Cup since internet hosting in 2010. These two sides met within the opening recreation 16 years in the past too – a 1-1 attract Johannesburg.
The place to look at Mexico v South Africa
The match is broadcast on ITV and STV within the UK, and may also be streamed on ITVX.
Check out where all the World Cup matches will be shown here.
Stats for Mexico v South Africa
- Mexico are unbeaten of their final seven opening matches at a World Cup, with 5 wins and two attracts – the final time they tasted defeat of their opener was in 1994, once they misplaced 1-0 to Norway.
- None of South Africa’s 9 matches on the World Cup have ended goalless – their two wins thus far within the competitors got here towards Slovenia in 2002 and France in 2010. The victory towards Slovenia can also be their solely clear sheet in a World Cup match (1-0).
- Coach Javier Aguirre performed for Mexico on the 1986 WC, beginning all 5 matches and helping Manuel Negrete’s volley towards Bulgaria earlier than being despatched off within the quarter-final towards West Germany.
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