World Cup 2026: Mexico out to end opening-day hoodoo against South Africa

Host nation Mexico will attempt to end a long-standing World Cup opening-day hoodoo when they face South Africa in the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday.

El Tri have never won a match played on the opening day of a World Cup, recording five defeats and two draws in seven previous tournament curtain-raisers.

A chance to make history

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre admitted he was unaware of the unwanted statistic but said it has given his players extra motivation ahead of the tournament opener.

"We must break that trend," Aguirre said.

"I did not know about that, but I'll mention it to the guys. It's a good reason to tell them we need to go out there and win the match."

Mexico head into the tournament unbeaten in their last seven matches, with their most recent defeat coming against Paraguay in November.

Now in his third spell as Mexico coach, Aguirre believes opening a home World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his players.

"It could be a great day for us; come what may, it will be a celebration that endures for decades," he said.

"The players know it: tomorrow could be a historic day for many of them, as it is unlikely these guys will ever experience a World Cup on home soil again."

Although Mexico previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, they did not play the opening match in either tournament.

Familiar opponents

Thursday's encounter is also a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, where Mexico and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw.

The fixture also reunites Aguirre with South Africa coach Hugo Broos. The pair first met at the 1986 World Cup when Broos represented Belgium and Aguirre played for Mexico, who won the group-stage encounter 2-1.

"I vividly remember the confidence with which we took the field to face Belgium," Aguirre recalled.

South Africa qualified for their first World Cup since 2010 under Broos and arrive in Mexico after finishing third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The veteran Belgian coach acknowledged the challenge of facing the hosts in front of nearly 87,000 supporters but insisted his players would not be intimidated.

"For sure it is a big challenge to play in front of 87,000 Mexicans," Broos said.

"But the Mexicans at the stadium do not play, they just shout and sing and dance. We have to focus on the game."

Broos added that the pressure rests on Mexico.

"We don't have the pressure that belongs to the host. We are prepared very well for tomorrow's match."

Mexico lost opening-day World Cup matches in 1930, 1950, 1954, 1958 and 1962, while drawing the opening fixtures in 1970 and 2010. With home support behind them and recent form on their side, Aguirre's men have another opportunity to rewrite history by claiming Mexico's first-ever victory in a World Cup opening-day match.