Tomori Berat · Defender · #0 · Nigeria · 30 yrs
Germany will be aiming to avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when they begin their 2026 campaign against Curaçao on Sunday. Both sides are part of Group E, and while Die Nationalelf arrive as heavy favourites, the Blue Wave prepare to make history in their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage. […] The post Prediction: Germany vs Curaçao appeared first on SoccerNews.
Mexico and South Africa will kick off the 2026 World Cup at the historic Estadio Azteca, where a massive capacity crowd is expected to pack the stands. The 2026 World Cup kicks off today, Thursday, June 11, with host nation Mexico facing South Africa in what is a rematch of a previous World Cup opening game. With fans already making their way to the stadium, expectations are sky-high for the attendance at one of soccer’s most storied venues. The iconic Estadio Azteca underwent a major renovation that began in May 2024 and has since been officially renamed Estadio Banorte. For the duration of the World Cup, however, FIFA is using the venue’s official registered name, and the governing body lists the stadium’s tournament capacity at 80,824 spectators. While tickets for some World Cup matches remain available, including the Group A contest between South Korea and Czech Republic, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa is completely sold out. The stadium’s total capacity of approximately 87,000 seats means the remaining spots are reserved for media and commercial partners. For fans still looking to attend, resale prices for the opener range anywhere from $2,800 to $17,000, a dramatic markup from FIFA’s official pricing. South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie spoke to the level of anticipation on his country’s side. “8,000 fans in the stadium for the opening match, lots of vuvuzelas, and I think 50,000 more are excited to travel,” he told Diario AS. Fans arrive before the FIFA World Cup 2026 inauguration game between Mexico and South Africa. A special venue for a special occasion The Estadio Azteca has been the backdrop for some of the most iconic moments in soccer history, from the legendary 1970 “Game of the Century” between Italy and West Germany to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable performance against England in 1986. Now it will host a World Cup opening game for the third time, the most of any stadium in history. The Mexico vs. South Africa matchup also carries its own distinct footnote in the record books. It will be the first time in World Cup history that two nations have faced each other in an opening game twice, the two sides having met in the very first match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a contest that ended 1-1. Sixteen years on, they meet again to kick off a new chapter. Other games scheduled at the Azteca Beyond Thursday’s opener, the Estadio Azteca is set to host several additional matches during the 2026 World Cup: Wednesday, June 17th: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Game 24)Wednesday, June 24th: Czech Republic vs. Mexico (Game 53)Tuesday, June 30th: 1º Group A vs. 3º Group C/E/F/H/I (Game 79 – Round of 16)Sunday, July 5th: Winner Game 79 vs. Winner Game 80 (Game 80 – Round of 16)
Getting their World Cup adventure underway in the early hours of Sunday, Scotland will meet Haiti at the Gillette Stadium. With the 2026 World Cup now officially underway, there are plenty of intriguing betting promotions and bonuses available this summer. Verdict: Scotland win Best Odds: 2/3 Bookmaker: BetUS Haiti Starting with Haiti, while Les Grenadiers might […] The post Prediction: Haiti vs Scotland appeared first on SoccerNews.
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray says the Seagulls must "stay positive" after Sunday's defeat at Leeds as they would have "snapped your arm off" to be in their current position had they been offered it before a ball was kicked. Presently, teams finishing sixth and seventh are guaranteed a place in the Europa League at least. Brighton, on 53 points, occupy seventh despite the setback at Elland Road and will definitely finish in the top seven if they beat Manchester United on Sunday.
