Di first match of di 2026 FIFA World Cup don set to be a full circle moment. Na rematch of di 2010 FIFA World Cup opener, Mexico and South Africa go square off, dis time for Mexico City Stadium.
E be highly anticipated match, naturally, since e be di first one of a tournament wey go span across three countries. E suppose be special moment for Mexico, wey go play dia matches for dia native country.
Everyone dey expect a Mexico victory, but dere be some precedent to suggest e no go be dat easy. Mexico and South Africa don face each oda on two previous occasions. Surprisingly, South Africa get di edge, wey don win one match and tie di oda.
Dia last meeting come for di 2010 FIFA World Cup, when Siphiwe Tshabalala stun everyone by firing di opening salvo for di host nation. Mexico end up equalizing through di legendary Rafael Marquez. Di match end 1-1.
Dia only oda meeting come for di 2005 Gold Cup, where South Africa win di opening Group C match against Mexico for Carson, California. Two first half goals be enough to see out a 2-1 win. Mexico end up topping di group, but both teams ultimately get eliminated for di quarterfinals.
El Tri dey currently heavy favorites to win di first match of di 2026 FIFA World Cup, sporting -235 betting odds. A draw dey at +360, while a South Africa upset dey at +800. Bafana Bafana want to stun di world yet again, dis time on Mexico home turf.
