South Africa to play Mexico in FIFA 2010 WC opener

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke holds up the name South Africa as actress Charlize Theron reacts during the 2010 World Cup draw in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday.

Host nation South Africa will face Mexico in the opening game of the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

South Africa is ranked 86th in the world and will find a tough opponent in the world's 15th ranked team on June 11.

On the other hand, it will be able to count on the support of many in the 87,000-capacity Soccer City stadium.

A huge gasp went up from the 3,000-strong crowd when Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron decided Mexico would play the opener.

The picking of South Africa's opponent for the opening match was one of the most anticipated moments of the World Cup draw ceremony.