After four years of waiting, the World Cup gets underway with a clash between Mexico and South Africa. Sound familiar? The 83,000-capacity Azteca will become the first stadium to host the opening match of three World Cups,

Estadio Azteca gave Mexico the kind of World Cup opening atmosphere that can make a home tournament feel alive from the first whistle. Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa mattered on the table, but the setting made it feel bigger than three points.

Follow along live for 2026 World Cup opener In Mexico City! The 2026 World Cup begins with a star-studded opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca before Mexico faces South Africa in the opening match on Thursday,

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre emphasized the emotional component of kicking off the 2026 World Cup at the Azteca on Thursday weighed on certain players, attributing careless errors on nerves in a 2-0 win over South Africa.

With the 2026 World Cup opener happening in Mexico City on Thursday, Charlie Davies describes the mystique of scoring in the Azteca

Estadio Azteca will honor Pelé and Maradona at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony on June 11, becoming the first stadium to host three tournament openers.

Their journeys began far from Mexico, but under the lights of the Estadio Azteca, they became key figures in El Tri’s World Cup dream.

A newly renovated Estadio Azteca will host the 2026 World Cup opening match. Jon Arnold takes us inside and explains the rich history of the venue.