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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, but the highly anticipated opening match between host nation Mexico and South Africa is already clouded by controversy, as many African fans across the continent declare they will be cheering against Bafana Bafana due to ongoing xenophobic attacks on migrants back home.

The colorful opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City delivered spectacular performances from stars like Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Maná, Shakira, and Burna Boy, who closed the show with the official tournament anthem “Dai Dai.” The stadium was electric with excitement as fans prepared for the first kickoff of the tournament.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre named veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, with strikers Raúl Jiménez and Quinones leading the attack. South Africa’s Hugo Broos started midfielder Teboho Mokoena and Burnley striker Lyle Foster up front.

Mexico XI: Rangel (GK), Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo, Lira, Fidalgo, Gutierrez, Alvarado, Jiménez, Quinones. South Africa XI: Williams (GK), Modiba, Mbokazi, Okon, Sibisi, Sithole, Mokoena, Adams, Rayners, Foster.

This marks the second time these two teams have faced off in a World Cup opener — 16 years after their 1-1 draw at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

While the football world turns its attention to one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, a dark cloud hangs over South Africa’s participation. Ongoing xenophobic violence and protests in the country have led to threats against African migrants, with several nations (including Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe) evacuating citizens. Many African fans, angered by the attacks on fellow Black Africans, have publicly stated they will support Mexico instead.

On the pitch, Mexico enters as the more experienced side with 18 World Cup appearances, while Bafana Bafana are making their first appearance since hosting in 2010. Both coaches showed mutual respect ahead of the match, but the off-field tensions have added an emotional edge to what should be a celebration of the beautiful game.

With the eyes of the world watching, this opener carries more than just sporting significance — it reflects deeper issues of unity, migration, and politics that extend far beyond the pitch.