The opening match carries special significance for both nations. Sixteen years ago, South Africa and Mexico played out a memorable 1-1 draw in the first game of the 2010 World Cup, with Siphiwe Tshabalala's famous goal for Bafana Bafana cancelled out by Rafael Marquez.
This time, however, the focus is firmly on Mexico as they look to deliver on home soil and move on from the disappointment of their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Much of the attention will be on AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez, who is expected to play a key role for El Tri. The forward has built his reputation on intelligent movement, sharp finishing and a natural ability to find goals in crucial moments.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Gimenez admitted he could hardly wait for the competition to begin.
"It's an incredible dream," he said. "I wish the World Cup would start tomorrow because I am very excited. When you wear the national team shirt you represent an entire country, so you have great responsibility, but at the same time it is something beautiful."
The striker also backed Mexico to make a strong impact at the tournament.
"I know Mexico, with its people, at home, is very strong. I am convinced it will be a great World Cup. Mexico will win and I will be the top scorer," he joked.
Gimenez will return to a stadium that holds special memories for him. The Estadio Azteca was where he celebrated one of the biggest achievements of his early career with Cruz Azul.
"It is an incredible stadium and a dream to play there," he said. "We won the Mexican championship there and it was magical because it hadn't happened for twenty-three years. It feels a bit like going back home."
He also highlighted the stadium's place in football history.
"For me, the Azteca is the stadium with the most history at international level. It is the third World Cup it has hosted and it is where Pelé and Maradona became world champions. It is unique."
Gimenez also revealed the story behind his famous nickname, "Bebote", which translates as "big baby".
"My family gave me the nickname because I was a very big newborn," he explained. "When I scored my first goal in the top division, a television journalist shouted 'Goal of the Bebote!' From that moment, everyone started calling me that."
Mexico have been drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea and Czechia. With expectations high and the opening match taking place at one of football's most iconic venues, Gimenez and his team-mates will be determined to give their supporters a winning start to the World Cup.
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Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is set to live out a dream years in the making when he leads South Africa onto the pitch against Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night.
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