The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to get underway on Thursday, ushering in a new chapter in global football as South Africa and Mexico lock horns in the tournament's opening match.

The highly anticipated encounter is expected to rekindle memories of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where both nations also met in the competition's opening fixture.

That match remains one of the most memorable curtain-raisers in World Cup history, and fans will be hoping for another thrilling contest when the two sides meet again.

This year's tournament is particularly significant as it introduces a major change to the World Cup format. For the first time in FIFA history, 48 nations will participate in the competition, expanding from the previous 32-team structure.

The new format is designed to provide greater representation across continents, offering more countries the opportunity to compete on football's grandest stage while increasing the number of matches and overall excitement for fans worldwide.

Hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament is expected to attract millions of supporters and viewers over several weeks of intense competition.

Africa will enjoy its largest-ever representation at the World Cup, with 10 nations qualifying for the tournament.

The increased allocation has sparked optimism among football fans across the continent, many of whom believe an African nation could challenge for a place in the latter stages of the competition.

South Africa, one of the continent's representatives, will carry those hopes into the opening fixture against Mexico.

Beyond the sporting rivalry, the match also carries symbolic significance, given the shared World Cup history between both countries.

The encounter is expected to draw global attention as the football world turns its focus to the start of what promises to be a landmark tournament.

With traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands all set to compete, fans can look forward to a month of elite football, dramatic moments, and unforgettable performances.

As the countdown ends and the first whistle approaches, excitement continues to build across the globe for a tournament that promises to redefine the World Cup experience and showcase football's growing international reach.

Key Opening-Day Fixtures Mexico vs South Africa – Group A South Korea vs Czech Republic – Group A African Teams to Watch The continent's representatives include South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Cape Verde, all aiming to make history on the world stage.

The tournament will conclude on July 19, with the final scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.