World Cup Returns to Mexico After Nearly 40 Years
Quick Look
- The FIFA World Cup is returning to Mexico for the first time since 1986, with the opening match set for the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
- The tournament will feature 103 games, culminating in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The World Cup is returning to Mexico for the first time since 1986, nearly 40 years ago to the day. Mexico's last World Cup appearance was in 1986, and they have not reached the last eight since.
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
Open Questions
- What specific country did Mexico play against in 1986 that no longer exists?
- What were the circumstances of Mexico's past World Cup performances?
- What are the specific 'five things to know' about the upcoming tournament?
