Mexico learned its World Cup path on Friday afternoon (5), landing in Group A for the 2026 tournament. Under head coach Javier Aguirre, El Tri will play the opening match of the World Cup on June 11 at the historic Azteca Stadium, facing South Korea — a venue loaded with symbolism for both global football and the host nation.
In addition to the South Koreans, Mexico will meet South Africa and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia). The reveal confirmed what was already expected: the green ball in Pot 1 had Mexico’s name, but protocol still required opening it on stage.
Mexico’s Group A Schedule
Kickoff times will be confirmed by FIFA.
Mexico vs. South Africa
Thursday, June 11, 2026 — Mexico City Stadium
Mexico vs. South Korea
Thursday, June 18, 2026 — Guadalajara Stadium
Mexico vs. UEFA Playoff Winner
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — Mexico City Stadium
Mexico’s World Cup History: Tradition and Pressure
The 2026 edition will mark Mexico’s 18th World Cup, a tally surpassed only by Brazil, Germany and Argentina. It also makes Mexico the first nation to host three World Cups, an unprecedented feat.
Yet, a familiar storyline lingers:
- El Tri has never won an opening match at a World Cup.
- The 2026 opener will be the eighth time Mexico takes part in the tournament’s first game.
Mexico earned its first-ever World Cup point in 1958, drawing 1–1 with Wales. Its first win came four years later, in 1962, when it beat Czechoslovakia 3–1.
Across 17 editions, Mexico has topped the group stage only three times
- 1986 (at home)
- 1994 (USA)
- 2002 (Korea–Japan)
Reading Group A: Balanced, but Manageable
Mexico hosts a group that offers balance but clear expectations:
- South Korea brings consistency and recent high-level tournament experience.
- South Africa offers tactical flexibility, though with less technical ceiling.
- The UEFA playoff could reshape the group’s difficulty — Denmark, for example, would raise the bar significantly.
With the Azteca atmosphere, the responsibility of the opening match, and the weight of hosting for the third time, Mexico enters 2026 under pressure — but also with an ideal stage for a statement start.
