More than 80,000 fans are making their way to Azteca Stadium, which has undergone a much-needed facelift ahead of the World Cup.
It Mexico City ground today becomes the first stadium to host three World Cup opening games, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986.
It is also the eighth time Mexico has played in the opening match of a tournament – although they are yet to win one – having lost five and drawn two. They are the favourites today and have an eight-game unbeaten streak, having not lost a game since November.
This is South Africa’s first World Cup finals appearance since it hosted the tournament in 2010, having previously played in 1998 and 2002 editions.