Mexico news

Violent clashes erupted outside the Estadio Azteca on Thursday night, marring the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City. Riot police deployed tear gas after coming under attack from projectiles, overshadowing co-hosts Mexico's subsequent victory on the pitch as long-standing local political tensions spilled over into the tournament's security perimeter.

Mexico made history in their World Cup opener, but Cesar Montes’ red card left a sour note. GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from El Tri’s 2-0 win.

Find out where to watch the Mexico national team throughout FIFA World Cup 2026.

The stage was set at a packed Mexico City stadium, where Hugo Broos' men were handed the opportunity to turn World Cup dreams into reality. However, what promised to be a historic occasion quickly turned into a sobering one for Bafana Bafana, as they fell short against an inspired El Tri side that seized control of the spectacle and fed off the energy of their passionate home support.

Mexico made the perfect start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as the co-hosts ran out 2-0 winners over South Africa in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez ensured a routine victory for the Group A favourites in a game that featured three red cards in the second half.

Argentina have reclaimed the number one spot in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings. The update comes at the perfect time for Lionel Scaloni’s side, with the 2026 World Cup now officially underway as Argentina seek to defend their crown.

Heritage meets innovation in Mexico’s new World Cup kits

Former South Africa international Eric Tinkler has issued a stirring call to action for the national team as they prepare to kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The former midfielder, a key figure in South Africa’s historic 1996 AFCON triumph, believes the current crop must match their technical ability with a fierce mental edge to succeed on the global stage.

The South African Football Association president believes the national team’s small contingent of travelling supporters will hold their own against a wall of noise in Mexico City. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Jordaan is confident that the passion of the South African faithful can bridge the gap during the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

The South Africa international has thrown the gauntlet down to the co-hosts of the global showpiece, insisting that all the pressure lies with El Tri ahead of their opening clash at the Estadio Azteca. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfield general cut a relaxed figure ahead of the tournament opener, dismissing the underdog tag assigned to Hugo Broos’ side.

Javier Aguirre has tipped the Orlando Pirates sensation for a major overseas move and admitted he is seeking revenge against Bafana Bafana following a painful AFCON defeat during his time in charge of Egypt.

All the details of the match between Javier Aguirre's El Tri and Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana in Group A. 16 years ago these two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Much has changed since then but one thing remains the same, both teams will be looking to start the quadrennial showpiece with a win.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.