Khaberni - Preliminary indicators for the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup suggest that the Mexican national team, as one of the three hosts, may be a permanent participant in the opening match.
The name of the opponent remains the focus of widespread speculation and predictions within the global football community, where the list of teams nominated to play the opening match includes 5 Arab teams.
Although no final decision has been issued by FIFA so far, a group of teams is considered potential candidates for the kick-off against Mexico, giving the tournament a distinctive flavor regardless of the opposing team.
The possibility of facing Arab teams such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tunisia, Egypt, or Algeria opens the door to an opening scenario that carries significant audience momentum, especially since these teams have a broad presence and the ability to create a high-tempo match.
A match between Mexico and an Arab team will give the opening match considerable momentum in the region, while other names outside the Arab context like Scotland, Paraguay, Norway, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, and South Africa are also highlighted, all of which give the opening match different dimensions.
Norway might offer some exciting stories with prominent stars, while Scotland gives a noisy fan atmosphere, whereas the Ivory Coast or South Africa would provide a football school with a strong physical style that could create an exciting opening.
As for the Mexican team, it ensures a packed stadium and a noisy atmosphere, whether the match is held in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey, which makes choosing the opponent a decisive step in shaping the opening scene for the largest version in the history of the World Cup in terms of the number of teams.
