World Cup Daily: Mexico prepares for opening game, two managers set to make history and England complete final warm-up

Under pressure Mexico prepares to kick off tournament 

Tonight, after what has felt like a never ending build-up, the 2026 World Cup will finally get underway with co-hosts Mexico kicking off proceedings at the historic Estadio Azteca. 

They will be facing South Africa in a repeat of the first game at the 2010 edition. 

Mexico are under pressure to perform after failing to make the knockout stages in 2022, and while this squad is their weakest in some time, they are expected to finish top of the group, and at least keep home advantage until the Round of 16. 

South Africa and Czech Republic managers to make history 

History is already set to be made on the opening day with two of the oldest managers in World Cup history set to take charge. 

In the opening game, 74-year-old Hugo Broos will be taking charge of South Africa, setting the record for the oldest manager at a World Cup. 

Unfortunately, for Broos, who was born on April 10, 1952, he will only hold this accolade for a number of hours before Miroslav Koubek leads the Czech Republic into battle against South Korea. 

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Koubek is also 74 years old, but he is seven months older than Broos.

However, Koubek is set to be beaten just two days later when Dick Advocaat manages Curacao in their opening group stage match against Germany. 

England look impressive in final World Cup warm up

England have completed their final public World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win against Costa Rica. 

Thomas Tuchel's team will play one more behind closed doors friendly against Miami FC, but this appears to be more of a fitness exercise instead of a match with any real intensity. 

The two standout performers for England were Anthony Gordon and Jude Bellingham, who may have secured their places in the positional battles ahead of the opening game against Croatia on June 17.

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