What to know
- Toronto FIFA FanFest attendees were split on whether Mexico or South Africa would win the opening 2026 World Cup match, with fans passionately backing both sides.
- Mexican supporters expressed confidence in their team and players like Armando “Hormiga” González and Edson Álvarez, while some fans predicted a South African victory.
- The match marked the second World Cup meeting between Mexico and South Africa, following their 1-1 draw in the opening game of the 2010 tournament.
- Thousands gathered at Fort York and The Bentway for Toronto’s FanFest, where fans watched the opening match alongside food, vendors and World Cup festivities.
FIFA fans in Toronto are at odds on who will win the first match of the World Cup – Mexico or South Africa?
Mexico vs South Africa: Who will win?
When asked at Toronto’s FanFest watch party who they think would win, fans gave Now Toronto mixed, but passionate, answers.
“Mexico, all the way!” one couple, who were covered in Mexico flags, said.
They went on to explain that they were from Mexico, and supported the Club Deportivo Guadalajara national Mexican soccer team.
“Let’s go guys, let’s do this! Vamos Hormiga!” they man said, referring to the player Armando “Hormiga” González.
Another fan said that she’s supporting Mexico, even though she’s from South Africa.
“I gotta support my people, but I like vacationing in Mexico,” she said with a laugh.
Although some fans thought the other team could take it home.
“Probably South Africa,” one fan guessed. “I’m gonna say it’s gonna be two goals.”
And another fan agreed on the point deficit, but instead believed Mexico would win.
When asked who she was rooting for, one name came to mind.
“Edson Álvarez,” she said.
The inaugural game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
According to Sports Illustrated, this is the second time Mexico and South Africa are facing each other.
The first was in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup game, where the match ended in a tie.
Now history repeats itself, as the two countries were facing off again, during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico will be hoping to keep their eight-win streak from before the World Cup going, as South Africa are hoping to break their four game losing streak.
The game determines who could advance to the Round of 32.
Each team is distributed into groups and will face each of their group opponents once. A win means three points awarded to that team, while a tie means one point for each team. The two teams with the most points per group will advance to the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams from their group.
Toronto FanFest brings fans of both sides together
The main watch party of the city was held at Toronto’s FanFest on Thursday, bringing a sea of different flags to Fort York and The Bentway, along with thousands of fans from both sides.
FanFest began on Wednesday, with a concert countdown between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Thousands of fans showed up to watch performances from Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince, among others.
Following the concert, fans are able to watch games from both Toronto and the different host cities at the Fort York, cheering on their favorite team, while also enjoying other festival features, such as vendors and food.
Mexico and South Africa began their face off at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
