Mexico Opens 2026 FIFA World Cup at Home Against South Africa
Mexico will face South Africa in the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca, fielding a lineup anchored by goalkeeper Raul Rangel and a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Guillermo Ochoa across Soccer, Football.
Mexico will face South Africa in the tournament opener at Estadio Azteca, fielding a lineup anchored by goalkeeper Raul Rangel and a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent.

The homophobic chant 'puto' continues to echo in Mexican stadiums, costing the federation millions in fines and raising concerns ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a game that blends sporting history, altitude strategy, and cultural celebration.

A record eight players over 40 will appear in the 2026 World Cup, including legends such as Craig Gordon, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, sparking fresh debate about age, experience and legacy.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams, 104 matches and a record number of players, marking a historic shift in football’s premier event.

At 40, Guillermo Ochoa prepares for what may be his last World Cup, aiming to join the elite circle of six‑appearance legends while Mexico readies to co‑host the tournament.

A look at the unique experience of the World Cup, the hurdles faced by host nations, and the teams poised to make an impact.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, a milestone made possible by a historic joint hosting arrangement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Among the storylines, veteran forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both signaled that the tournament may mark the end of their international careers, with Ronaldo already confirming his final World Cup appearance and Messi hinting at a similar conclusion. Mexico’s veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has also been selected for a sixth World Cup, underscoring the longevity some players achieve in the competition.
A new Michelob Ultra commercial reimagines a hotel lobby as a soccer field, starring Christian Pulisic, Lionel Messi and other international icons ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA releases final World Cup squad lists, highlighting record‑breaking appearances, age extremes and coaching milestones across 48 nations.

A record 1,248 players from 48 nations will compete, featuring legends like Messi and Ronaldo alongside 17‑year‑old prodigy Gilberto Mora and 43‑year‑old goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Four nations make their tournament debut as FIFA tightens substitution rules.
Pepsi’s new ‘Soccer Deserves Pepsi’ initiative, created with BBDO, COPA90 and PepsiCo Studio, features star athletes and a DoorDash partnership, weaving food, family and soccer into a global marketing platform.

Coach Javier Aguirre named the squad that will represent Mexico on home soil for the third time, featuring Guillermo Ochoa's sixth World Cup, 17‑year‑old Gilberto Mora, and a host of Europe‑based regulars.

Pepsi’s new “Soccer Deserves Pepsi” campaign blends global soccer stars, limited-edition packaging and pop-up restaurant activations to tie the brand’s soft drinks to the food fans enjoy during matches.

Pepsi’s latest campaign, fronted by David Beckham, Guillermo Ochoa, Christian Pulisic and Vinícius Júnior, blends limited‑edition packaging, digital offers and a sweepstakes to make match‑day gatherings sweeter.