That's a wrap for the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Shakira dazzled us first, performing 'Dai Dai' in the opening ceremony. And then Mexico dazzled the home fans with a terrific performance and a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa. 

The World Cup has only just begun! We will be back in just a few hours as Heung-min Son's South Korea take on Patrik Schick's Czechia in the second Group A game. Do join us for that. Bye bye!

For the first time in World Cup history, there have been three red cards in the opening game of the tournament. The second half saw South Africa shown two reds, while Mexico received one too. The reds will particularly hurt Bafana Bafana, who will be without two key midfielders for their next game against Czechia.

As perfect a performance as it gets for Mexico. 61% possession, 17 shots, and two goals. The Mexican midfield shut down South Africa completely; the visitors barely created any chances. They'll rue the red card for Cesar Montes, but they've given the passionate fans at the Azteca a day to remember

FULL TIME! VICTORY FOR MEXICO! A near-perfect start for Mexico to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on home soil. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal in the first half, Raul Jimenez bagged an emotional goal in the second half. A dramatic affair too - three red cards, the most ever in the opening game of a World Cup. 

FT | MEX 2-0 RSA

90 2' RED CARD FOR MEXICO! Third red card of the day, as Mexican defender Cesar Montes commits a foul, denying a goalscoring opportunity. The referee shows a straight red, sending Mexico down to 10 men. 10 vs 9 now in Mexico City!

South Africa mess up the free-kick, though. They try a cheeky backheel flick that goes horribly wrong.

MEX 2-0 RSA

90 1' Seven minutes of additional time at the end of 90 minutes. Mexico are playing 11 vs 9 at the minute, and they'd love nothing but another goal at this stage to strengthen their goal difference further. South Africa hanging on.

MEX 2-0 RSA

84' South Africa's day goes from bad to worse. Midfielder Themba Zwane, who came on as a substitute, is shown a straight red card for a raised hand on Mexico's Alvarado. The Mexican forward blocked Zwane during the move, who reacted impulsively. The referee initially did not spot it, but he was told to have a VAR check, after which he made his decision.

MEX 2-0 RSA

81' South Africa's Oswin Appollis manages to wriggle out of a tight situation and gets a shot away from the left half-space on the edge of the Mexico box. Unfortunately for him, it's straight at goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who has enjoyed a rather comfortable evening.

MEX 2-0 RSA

77' Raul Jimenez is substituted to a massive ovation from Estadio Azteca. What a day for Mexico's talisman, an emotional goal on the biggest stage in his country's first game of the World Cup on home soil. Midfielder Erik Lira is also taken off. A metronomous game from him in the middle of the park today.

Moments later, Mexico also substitute their other goalscorerm Julian Quinones. A fine game from him too.

MEX 2-0 RSA

68' GOAL! Raul Jimenez doubles Mexico's lead! A lovely cross from the right wing from Alvarado, and a brilliant cushioned header from Jimenez to make it 2-0 for the co-hosts. It's his first goal in World Cups, and look at what it means to him; he's broken down into tears! 

Mexico have one hand on three points now. The two-goal lead is no less than they deserve.

MEX 2-0 RSA

66' Mexico bring on highly-talented 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora as a substitute, who breaks the record for the youngest Mexico player in World Cup history. Gutierrez and Fidalgo go off after excellent performances. 

The crowd in Mexico City chants "Mora, Mora" as the youngster comes on!

MEX 1-0 RSA

South Africa were already on the back foot and now they've made their job a whole lot harder with that red card. Poor defensive awareness the cause behind it, Sithole really didn't have much choice but to bring his man down. They're still only one goal down, but it'll be an uphill task to equalize by playing 10 vs 11.

MEX 1-0 RSA

49' Oh dear! South Africa's Siphephelo "Yaya" Sithole brings down Raul Jimenez just on the edge of the box, AND IT'S A RED CARD! Brilliant long ball sent Brian Gutierrez 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper, Sithole tracked back and brought him down. Seemed to be a penalty at first, but referee says it's right on the edge of the box. Sithole is shown a straight red card, the first half of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Jimenez takes the free-kick but fails to convert.

MEX 1-0 RSA

We are back! Time for the second half in Mexico City. South Africa kick off. They'll attack from left to right in the second half. Bafana Bafana were comfortably second-best in the first 45, but can they recover in now?

The answer is no if the first few seconds are anything to go by. Another error in possession, this time in their own box. Fidalgo wins the ball, but is unable to cut it back, as South Africa make a desperate block.

MEX 1-0 RSA

Co-hosts Mexico have been a class apart so far. Raul Jimenez forced a big save out of Ronwen Williams in the opening minutes, and then Julian Quinones scored in the ninth minute of the game. Since then, they've taken nine shots in total, hitting the post too. 

MEX 1-0 RSA

HALF TIME in Mexico City! The referee blows the whistle and brings an end to a dominant first half for Mexico. 58% possession, 9 shots, and the opening goal of FIFA World Cup 2026, courtesy of forward Julian Quinones. South Africa need a massive second half to recover from this. Fortunately for them, the scoreline is only 1-0.

HT | MEX 1-0 RSA

45 4' Lovely play from Mexico. Julian Quinones dances past a defender and then lays it forward for midfielder Brian Gutierrez. It's a real chance, but Gutierrez fails to get a proper shot away and the South African goalkeeper collects.

MEX 1-0 RSA

45 1' Four minutes have been added on at the end of the first half. Mexico still continuing to attack and dominate the ball. They'll hope to score the second goal and almost kill the game before half-time, but can South Africa fight back against the run of play?

MEX 1-0 RSA

42' Another beautiful move by Mexico, with the midfielders combining in short passes. A final ball is then whipped in towards Jimenez in the box, who gets a touch, but Ronwen Williams makes a brilliant diving save!

Oh, and now Mexico hit the post! Lovely hold up play from Jimenez, who lays it off for Quinones, but the shot ricochets off the post! Mexico unlucky to not be 2-0 up.

MEX 1-0 RSA

35' Lovely build-up from Mexico, with midfielder Fidalgo at the heart of it. He sprays it to the left, where the overlapping full-back cuts in towards the box. Raul Jimenez was waiting, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is quick to react and collect the cross.

MEX 1-0 RSA

23' First real opportunity for South Africa comes in the form of a free-kick on the right wing. But the ball in is poor, and it's cleared easily be Mexico. Time for the three-minute hydration break now, and it's much-needed for South Africa. They'll hope to regroup quickly, because Mexico have been dominant so far.

MEX 1-0 RSA

20' Another attempt from Julian Quinones! The Mexican forward is brimming in confidence, and he took aim from distance, this time hitting the top of the net. It's all Mexico so far in front of a passionate crowd at Estadio Azteca.

Meanwhile, South African defender Mokoena received the first yellow card of the World Cup in the 17th minute.

MEX 1-0 RSA

It is the first goal in his last 17 appearances for Mexico for Julian Quinones, but there can be no surprises about his impact. Quinones scored 33 goals in 31 games in the recent Saudi Pro League season, outscoring even Cristiano Ronaldo. 

9' GOAL! Mexico score the first goal of FIFA World Cup 2026! Julian Quinones is the man who strikes! South Africa concede possession in their own half, sloppy from them. Quinones pounces, and although Ronwen Williams rushes out, the striker slots it coolly into the net.

MEX 1-0 RSA

4' Early chance for Mexico as South Africa make a foul in their own half. Mexico's Roberto Alvarado takes the free-kick, but he fires it low and it's cleared away. However, Mexico attack moments later down the right. The ball falls to Raul Jimenez on the edge of the box, who fires it towards goal with his left foot, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams makes an excellent reflex save, diving to his right!

MEX 0-0 RSA

1' WE ARE LIVE! The countdown is over! Mexico are attacking from left to right. They are on the ball early on, while South Africa settle into their 5-3-2 shape. The FIFA World Cup is underway!

MEX 0-0 RSA

The players walk out to the Mexico City Stadium. A few more smoke bombs have been set up, colouring the Mexico air red, green and white again. Time for the national anthems now. First South Africa, and then Mexico. 

A new tradition this year. The players are standing in a circle around the centre-circle, rather than in a straight line.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown is about to end. We are just over five minutes away from the start of the first match of the tournament. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is packed. After a dazzling opening ceremony, it is time for the football to take over!

One thing that will certainly disappoint some fans is that Mexico's legendary 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is not in the starting lineup. Over the last few World Cups, Ochoa has established himself as a cult hero, putting in several Herculean performances. Raul Rangel, 26, has big boots to fill today.

We are just under half an hour away from kick off at the Estadio Azteca for the first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mexico vs South Africa once again to kickstart a World Cup, just like in 2010. On that occasion, it finished 1-1. Who wins today?

South Africa's 5-at-the-back approach shows that they might go into the game with a pragmatic approach, up against Mexico's dynamic forward line. Raul Jimenez is the star name in Mexico's attack, but keep an eye out for Julian Quinones, who scored 33 goals in the Saudi Pro League last season, five more than Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

South Africa XI vs Mexico: South Africa have announced their starting XI for the World Cup 2026 opener against Mexico. It's a 5-at-the-back approach taken by manager Hugo Broos. Lyle Foster, who played for Burnley in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season, starts as the striker.

pic.twitter.com/3aZNMDtQUy

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 11, 2026

Mexico XI vs South Africa: Mexico have announced their starting XI for the first match of the World Cup 2026. Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones start in attack, in an exciting lineup. However, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is on the bench. It is 26-year-old Raul Rangel starting in goal.

The official lineup!

This is our first #StartingXI of the World Cup.

Ready to give it our all. LET'S GOOOOOO! #SomosMéxico pic.twitter.com/L9STtnNMxG

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 11, 2026

As Shakira's performance comes to an end, smoke bombs are unleashed into the Mexico City air. Red, white and green smoke engulfs the air, signifying the colours of the Mexican flag. The opening ceremony has got the spectacle underway; now, it's time for the football!

Shakira is here! 'Dai Dai', the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now on at the opening ceremony. Nigerian singer Burna Boy is alongside Shakira, for the most blockbuster performance of the day. 

A number of glittering performances to kickstart the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony. A group of dancers on the field, dancing along to the songs on stage. A huge replica of the World Cup trophy is also at the centre of the pitch. Shakira is expected to enter shortly.

The opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway at the Mexico City Stadium! We are having a special performance to begin with. Shakira is likely to take centre stage in a short while. Here we go, folks. World Cup fever is upon us.

An expanded FIFA World Cup takes place in 2026, with a record 48 teams taking part, up from the 32 in 2022. This time, the knockouts will begin with the Round of 32. Therefore, the top two nations from each group and the eight best third-placed nations will qualify for the knockouts. 

Here's a little titbit: if Messi's Argentina and Ronaldo's Portugal both finish first in their groups and win their first two knockout games, they'll face off in the quarter-finals!

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will likely be the last dance at the biggest stage for two of football's greatest icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi ended his long wait for World Cup glory in 2022, leading Argentina to the trophy. Will 2026 be Ronaldo's lucky year? Now 41 years old, Ronaldo will be playing his sixth World Cup, captaining a very strong Portugal squad.

Players of both teams — South Africa and Mexico — have arrived at the venue. We are just minutes away from the start of the opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Don’t go anywhere, folks. Stay connected!

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred by the United States from the FIFA World Cup 2026, was picked on Thursday for the showcase UEFA Super Cup game in August. European soccer body UEFA said Artan will referee the August 12 game between Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, the Europa League winner.

For Mexico, talismanic striker Raul Jimenez, midfielder Orbelin Pineda, captain Edson Alvarez and heroic goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be the ones to watch out for. Ochoa is set to appear in his sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026. 

As for South Africa, goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, striker Lyle Foster and attacking midfielder Themba 'Mshishi' Zwane will be key.

South Africa have never qualified to the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. 'Bafana Bafana' came very close in both the 2002 and 2010 editions, but narrowly missed out. This time, though, they will fancy their chances. With the World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the knockout stage will now begin with the Round of 32. This means that not just the top two of each group, but also the eight best third-placed teams will qualify.

With Mexico, Czechia and South Korea in Group A, it is certainly not an impossible task for South Africa.

One can argue that Mexico have the best chance of going the farthest among the three co-hosts of FIFA World Cup 2026. From 1994 to 2018, they reached the knockout stage of the World Cup on every single instance. However, that streak ended in 2022, when they bowed out in the group stage. 

Yet, they have a good mix of youth and experience heading into the 2026 edition, and could be one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

The opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to start at 11:00 PM IST (11:30 AM local time). We are just over one hour away from that. But the hype has already begun! 

Shakira and Burna Boy will be the headline attraction as they perform 'Dai Dai', the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, a number of other stars will perform in the opening ceremony. This includes Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla.

While there's hype over the start of the World Cup, millions are also looking forward to see Shakira in the opening ceremony of FIFA World Cup 2026. Over the years, Shakira has grown into one of the icons of the FIFA World Cup, and she'll take centre stage once again tonight to perform 'Dai Dai', the official song for the World Cup 2026.

It will be her fourth performance at a World Cup, and second in an opening ceremony of the tournament.

What is wonderful about today's match is that it is a repeat of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, held in South Africa. On that historic night in Johannesburg, South Africa and Mexico faced off in the World Cup opener. And in a fitting reversal, they will face off in the opener again, this time with Mexico as the hosts.

The greatest spectacle on earth, the FIFA World Cup 2026, begins tonight! And it's set to be the grandest ever, with a record 48 teams taking part for the first time ever. We kick off today as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match of the tournament, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. But before that a blockbuster opening ceremony, headlined by none other than Shakira!

Stay tuned to NDTV Sports for all the live updates from the opening ceremony and the first game of the World Cup.