Anticipation builds as Mexico, South Africa open World Cup at 10pm Kenyan time

World Cup 2026 / SCREENGRAB

Football fans in Kenya will tonight turn their attention to the opening clash between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup match set to kick off at 10 pm Kenyan time.

The encounter pits two sides with contrasting profiles against each other, as Mexico, ranked 15th in the world, takes on a South African side ranked 60th by FIFA.

Mexico enter the tournament as one of the co-hosts and will be playing in their third World Cup staged on home soil.

Known as El Tri, the team is expected to draw strength from home support and boasts a squad renowned for its tactical flexibility and defensive discipline.

FIFA unveiled the match officials who will oversee the Group A encounter between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June 2026 at the Mexico City Stadium.

The fixture is among the tournament's opening matches and is expected to draw millions of viewers from around the world as two ambitious nations begin their quest for football glory.

At the centre of the action will be Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, a seasoned official known for handling some of football's biggest occasions.

With the pressure of a World Cup opener and the expectations of a passionate home crowd behind Mexico, Sampaio will be tasked with maintaining discipline, controlling the tempo of the game, and making crucial decisions that could influence the outcome.

Supporting him on the sidelines will be fellow Brazilians Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia, who have been appointed as assistant referees. Their eyes will be vital in identifying offside situations, ball movements, and incidents that may escape the attention of the central referee during the fast-paced contest.

The match management team extends beyond the pitch. Paraguayan official Juan Gabriel Benitez will serve as the fourth official, overseeing substitutions and maintaining order within the technical areas, while compatriot Eduardo Cardozo has been designated as the reserve assistant referee.

Modern football increasingly relies on technology, and this World Cup encounter will be no exception.

Colombian referee Nicolas Gallo will lead the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, reviewing controversial incidents from the video operations room. He will be assisted by Chile's Juan Lara, while France's Jerome Brisard will provide additional support as Support VAR.

The composition of the officiating team reflects FIFA's strategy of selecting experienced officials from different confederations to ensure neutrality and professionalism on football's grandest stage.

For hosts Mexico, the match represents an opportunity to ignite their World Cup campaign in front of an expectant home crowd. For South Africa, it is a chance to make an early statement and prove they belong among the world's elite football nations.