Mexico vs. South Africa: Mexicans realistic about World Cup prospects

Mexico is no different. Government officials here are admonishing employees that absences during the World Cup will not be tolerated. But expect TVs to sprout in many office cubicles.

And while Mexican education authorities say school won't be canceled, the inaugural game Friday morning, featuring Mexico vs. South-Africa, can be watched on TV in class.

Polls show 90 percent of Mexicans are interested in the month-long global soccer tournament – including their president, Felipe Calderon, who is expected to attend the opening game in South Africa Friday.