Mexico and South Africa will meet in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, a repeat of the 2010 tournament opener. This marks the second time a World Cup has featured the same opening fixture twice, with Mexico involved on both occasions. The first instance occurred when Brazil faced Mexico in multiple tournaments between 1950 and 1962.
Repeat Opening Fixtures
In 2010, South Africa hosted Mexico in a 1-1 draw, with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring a stunning goal and Rafael Marquez equalizing. The 2026 clash will take place at the Azteca Stadium. Historically, World Cups often began with simultaneous matches, especially in 1934 and 1962. Brazil met Mexico in 1950 (a standalone opener), 1954, and 1962, winning all three games. Brazil's 2-0 victory in 1962 featured a legendary solo goal from Pele.
Women's World Cup Openers
The Women's World Cup, which started in 1991, has never repeated an opening fixture, as each tournament has had a single opening game.
Real Madrid's Absence from Spain Squad
For the first time in history, no Real Madrid player has been selected for Spain's men's World Cup squad. The previous low was in 1950, when only Luis Molowny represented Madrid. In the women's game, no Madrid players were in the 2015 and 2019 squads, but by 2023, eight Madrid players featured, including Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal in the final.
Everton's Managerial Influence
Three former Everton managers are leading teams at the 2026 World Cup: Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil), Roberto Martinez (Portugal), and Ronald Koeman (Netherlands). However, this is not a record, as four former Chelsea managers are also involved: Ancelotti, Mauricio Pochettino (USA), Graham Potter (Sweden), and Thomas Tuchel (England).
Lower Division Call-Ups
New Zealand called up Tommy Smith, who played for Braintree Town in the fifth-tier National League. Historically, players from even lower divisions have been selected, such as Dennis Lawrence from fourth-tier Wrexham and Evans Wise from Germany's fifth tier in 2006. Togo also included players from French third and seventh tiers in 2006.
Reader Questions
Kari Tulinius asks if any player has won more international honors than club honors, citing Thomas Hassler's World Cup and European Championship wins versus a single Intertoto Cup. Brendon O'Mahony wonders if Gary Lineker's six goals out of England's seven in 1986 is the highest proportion for a team scoring more than three goals. Stuart McLagan notes Scotland's 2026 squad has no more than three players from one club, possibly a record low, and asks about the most recent short-handed squad, referencing El Salvador's 20-player squad in 1982 due to cost-cutting.
