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SCMP Sport

What a difference 39 years, 355 days and 23 hours makes.
The World Cup returns to Mexico for the first time since 1986, and it was nearly 40 years ago to the day that El Tri ran out in front of their own fans dreaming of glory.
Sadly, they ended up on the wrong end of a result against a country that no longer exists and have not made it back to the last eight since.
That’s all in the past though, and on Thursday – or 3am on Friday in Hong Kong – they have the honour of getting the 2026 tournament under way at the famous Azteca Stadium in Mexico City against South Africa.
It will be the first of 103 games before the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium just outside New York. Here are five things to know ahead of kick-off.

A lifetime ago
Mexico’s home World Cup ended in the quarter-finals on June 21, 1986. A drab goalless draw that went to extra time turned into a penalty shoot-out rout, with West Germany, surprise, surprise, winning 4-1.
Among the goalscorers that day was a young midfielder by the name of Lothar Matthaus. He went on to captain his side to victory over Argentina in the 1990 World Cup final, the last game West Germany ever played.
Fun fact, the 1986 game at University Stadium in San Nicholas took place 12 years before Friday’s opponents, South Africa, reached a World Cup for the first time.
Coming full circle
South Africa coach Hugo Broos knows a thing or two about opening World Cup matches – as a player, the Belgian was involved 40 years ago in the game against the hosts.
This time he’ll face them as a manager, and it’s fair to say the occasion, which signals the beginning of the end of his 56-year football career, may well get to him.
“No one in Hollywood could have scripted it better – I played in a World Cup opener and now, four decades later, I will be one of the coaches in a World Cup opener,” he said.
“I am dreaming of a beautiful ending where South Africa reach the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time after three first-round exits. When South Africa bow out of this tournament, I will say goodbye to football. I turned 74 this year and the time has come to be with my wife, two daughters, son and eight grandchildren.”

Opening ceremonies
Why have one opening ceremony when you can have three? Mexico officially get the World Cup started, but the Americans are having one of their own the day after, as are the Canadians.
Each host nation will get the chance to kick things off with a bang. That’s a lot of parties to attend if you’re Fifa president Gianni Infantino, and a lot of celebrities to glad-hand along the way.
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without Shakira, and the Colombian superstar is among those performing before the first game of the tournament. Others expected in Mexico City include Burna Boy and Mana.
In Los Angeles, Katy Perry and Tyla will get things going before the United States take on Paraguay on Saturday, while in Toronto it’s Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Michael Bublé leading the charge ahead of Canada’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina. I know where I’d rather be.
Will Son rise?
Anyone not crazy enough to get up at 3am for the first game of the tournament won’t have long to wait to see some action, with South Korea and the Czech Republic on at 10am.
The big question is whether Son Heung-min has enough gas left in the tank to drive his side deep into the knockout stages.
The 33-year-old has faced growing questions about his faltering form after scoring only twice for his club Los Angeles FC this season, but scored twice against Trinidad and Tobago in a warm-up match.
It took his international tally to 56 goals in 144 games, two short of Cha Bum-kun’s South Korea record.
An early start
This World Cup is going to mean lots of early starts for football fans, and while many will opt for the comfort of their own couch, you don’t have to celebrate or suffer alone.
Night owls can catch the action at more than 20 restaurants and bars in Lan Kwai Fong, with all 104 matches being shown on several large outdoor screens.
Wan Chai’s nightspots are also expecting to see some foot traffic as the tournament gets under way, while Budweiser is hosting a pop-up spot from now until June 16 in Tsim Sha Tsui.


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A man plays football on the street in Mexico City. Photo: Getty Images

South Africa’s Belgian head coach Hugo Broos will be returning to a stadium he knows very well. Photo: AFP

Colombian singer Shakira will perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico. Photo: AFP

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Sport

Football

The World Cup kicks off early on Friday in Hong Kong, and whether you plan on watching highlights or seeing it live, here’s what you need to know


The World Cup kicks off early on Friday in Hong Kong, and whether you plan on watching highlights or seeing it live, here’s what you need to know.


Son Heung-min

Katy Perry

Shakira, the circle of life and early starts: 5 things to know ahead of World Cup opener

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The World Cup kicks off early on Friday in Hong Kong, and whether you plan on watching highlights or seeing it live, here’s what you need to know

A lifetime ago

The World Cup kicks off early on Friday in Hong Kong, and whether you plan on watching highlights or seeing it live, here’s what you need to know