The 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> is officially here.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The opening match of the world’s biggest tournament unfolds in Mexico City on Thursday<\/a>, when co-hosts Mexico face off against South Africa (3 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock).<\/p>\n Mexico are hosting their first World Cup since the 1986 edition, and feature two MLS homegrown alumni: Brian Guti\u00e9rrez, who broke through with Chicago Fire FC<\/a>, and Obed Vargas, who blossomed with Seattle Sounders FC<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are further MLS connections \u2013 South Africa have two MLS center backs in Philadelphia<\/a>‘s Mbekezeki Mbokazi<\/a> and Chicago’s Olwethu Makhanya<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Interestingly, this matchup will be a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, hosted by South Africa. The teams played to a 1-1 draw, and now both sides hope to kick off their 2026 tournament with three points.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n A Chicago\u00a0homegrown and former US international, Guti\u00e9rrez was also eligible to represent Mexico and filed a one-time switch at the beginning of 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n During his time in Chicago, Guti\u00e9rrez contributed 21g\/25a in 164 appearances and helped bring the Fire back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017. That success fueled a transfer<\/a> to one of Mexico’s most prestigious sides, Chivas.<\/p>\n On the international stage, the 22-year-old midfielder has been a consistent contributor for El Tri since choosing to represent them, playing in all but one of Mexico’s games since the beginning of 2026 and contributing 2g\/1a.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) December 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n The Alaska native joined Seattle’s academy at age 14 and made his MLS debut at just 15. After signing a homegrown contract, he immediately became a key piece in the team, helping lead Seattle to the\u00a0Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a>\u00a0title in 2022, the only one ever won by an MLS club in the modern era.<\/p>\n Vargas continued to patrol the Sounders’ midfield for the next three seasons and earned the top spot on the 22 Under 22 Rankings<\/a> last year. Memorably, he also helped Seattle win Leagues Cup 2025<\/a>\u00a0over\u00a0Lionel Messi<\/a>-led\u00a0Inter Miami CF<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In total, Vargas made 130 appearances for the Sounders before securing a dream move<\/a> to his favorite club, Atl\u00e9tico Madrid, following the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Brian Guti\u00e9rrez<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Obed Vargas<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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