The wait of four years is finally over as the FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today.
Co-hosts Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa in a Group A clash set to be played in Mexico City at 10 p.m. East African Time.
This will be Mexico’s fifth appearance in a World Cup opening match, having recorded two wins and three draws in previous tournament openers.
Popularly known as El Tri, Mexico is making its 18th World Cup appearance, with its best performances coming in 1970 and 1986 when it reached the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will be making their fourth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in the 1998, 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
The match will be preceded by a colourful opening ceremony featuring internationally acclaimed artists, including Shakira and Burna Boy, who are expected to perform the tournament’s official theme song.
