Africa’s World Cup-bound teams discovered their group-stage opponents during Friday’s extended draw ceremony in Washington, setting up several high-stakes reunions — including a repeat of the iconic 2010 tournament opener.
South Africa, returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting in 2010, were placed in Group A and will launch their 2026 campaign against Mexico in Mexico City on June 11. The fixture will rekindle memories of Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable strike that opened the first-ever World Cup on African soil.
Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, were handed a blockbuster start against five-time champions Brazil, promising one of the standout clashes of the opening round. Senegal will also revisit history as they face France in a rematch of the dramatic 2002 opener that stunned the football world.
The 2026 tournament will officially kick off at the legendary Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico will welcome South Africa in a symbolic meeting 16 years after their last World Cup encounter.
