Johan Vásquez should be the pillar of Mexico’s defense in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 27-year-old central defender, from Genoa, Italy, forms the duo with César Montes in the duel against South Africa, this Thursday (11), at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time).
Born on October 22, 1998 in Navojoa, Sonora, Johan Felipe Vásquez Ibarra is 1.82m tall and stands out for his physical strength, good positioning, leadership and quality in the air. Captain of Genoa in Serie A, he has been called up more than 45 times by the Mexican national team and is enjoying the peak of his career in Europe.
Vásquez’s trajectory and moment
A graduate of Monterrey’s youth teams and with a spell at Pumas, Vásquez built a solid career in Italy, first at Genoa on loan, then at Cremonese and back at Genoa, where he is captain. In the 2025/2026 season, he has been one of the most regular players on the Italian team, with a high number of minutes played. In the national team, he recently scored important goals in preparatory friendlies and is seen as one of the leaders of Javier Aguirre’s squad for the World Cup at home.
Mexico enters as favorite in Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. With the support of more than 87,000 fans at the legendary Azteca, the team needs a solid start in the expanded competition. Vásquez will be essential for organizing the defense, containing South African counterattacks and contributing to safe ball play.
Probable lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez (or Israel Reyes), César Montes,Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo (or Edson Álvarez), Roberto Alvarado; Brian Gutiérrez, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala (or Okon), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole; Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana (or Oswin Appollis), Oswin Appollis; Lyle Foster.
Wilton Pereira Sampaio in arbitration
Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio leads the match, with assistants Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. It is the first time that a Brazilian referee has refereed the opening of a World Cup.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, transmission will be widespread. TV Globo and SBT show it live on open TV. SporTV, NSports and ge (Globoplay) cover closed TV and streaming. CazéTV, on YouTube, also broadcasts the game.
