Mexico and South Africa, who are in Group A, are both looking to get off to a winning start. They previously met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.
By Purushottam Dhakal, LOS ANGELES:- After a four-year wait, the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup football tournament is beginning tomorrow as per the date and time in California. For the first time, the tournament, which is being jointly organized by three nations, will see co-hosts Mexico and South Africa face off in the opening match. The match to be held at the Mexico City Stadium will start at 12:45 PM Nepali time tonight.
The tournament, which is being held jointly in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time. Previously, only 32 teams competed in the World Cup.
Mexico and South Africa, who are in Group A, are both looking to get off to a winning start. They previously met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. That match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Mexico has not lost its opening match at a World Cup since 1994. This is its 18th World Cup appearance. Although it has not won the World Cup, Mexico has played the most matches, 60. Mexico’s best performances were reaching the quarterfinals at home in 1970 and 1986.
South Africa, on the other hand, is participating in the World Cup for the fourth time. Having played nine matches in the World Cup so far, South Africa has won two matches. Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, South Africa is aiming to make a good start with the opening match.