World Cup 2026: Mexico and South Africa confirm starting lineups for tournament opener

World Cup 2026: Mexico and South Africa confirm starting lineups for tournament opener

Mexico and South Africa have named their starting lineups for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both coaches placing their trust in experienced figures and emerging talent for Thursday’s historic encounter at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Hosts Mexico, managed by Javier Aguirre, line up in a 4-3-3 formation as they seek to make a winning start in front of an expectant home crowd. Raúl Rangel starts in goal behind a back four comprising Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo.

In midfield, Erik Lira anchors the side alongside Álvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutiérrez, while the attacking trio of Roberto Alvarado, veteran striker Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones lead El Tri’s frontline.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup as Bafana Bafana attempt to upset the tournament hosts and claim an early advantage in Group A.

Captain Ronwen Williams starts between the posts, with Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon and Mbekezeli Mbokazi forming the defensive unit. Aubrey Modiba is also included in the starting side, while Teboho Mokoena and Siphephelo Sithole are tasked with shielding the backline and dictating the tempo from midfield.

Jayden Adams provides support in advanced areas behind the attacking pair of Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster, with Broos banking on the duo’s pace and movement to trouble Mexico on the counterattack.

The match marks a historic occasion as the Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches, having previously staged the tournament curtain-raisers in 1970 and 1986.

It is also a repeat of the memorable 2010 World Cup opener in South Africa, when the two nations played out a 1-1 draw. With South Korea and Czechia also featuring in Group A, both Mexico and South Africa will be eager to secure three points and establish early control in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.

Starting lineups

Mexico (4-3-3): Raúl Rangel; Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.

South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole; Jayden Adams; Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster.