Buzzoca

The spectacle featured the World Cup trophy, mascots Zayu, Maple, and Clutch, plus flags of Mexico and South Africa ahead of their 1 p.m. CT opener. Estadio Azteca, renovated to hold 87,000 fans, is the only stadium to host three World Cup openers, including Pelé’s 1970 Brazil and Maradona’s 1986 Argentina triumphs. Mexico, coached by Javier Aguirre, faces a gritty South Africa side that drew 1-1 with the hosts in 2010, setting the stage for chaos and goals in the expanded 48-team tournament across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.