Mexico
15:00 ET
scheduled
South Africa
Match Details
| Stage | Group Stage |
| Group | Group A |
| Date | Thursday, June 11, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 15:00 ET |
| Status | scheduled |
Match Preview
The FIFA World Cup 2026 opens at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa. El Tri carries the weight of opening the first 48-team World Cup on home soil, while Bafana Bafana return to the tournament for the first time since 2010. The Azteca, the only stadium to host two previous World Cup Finals (1970, 1986), is set for one of the most anticipated curtain-raisers in tournament history.
📺 Where to Watch
Top broadcaster in each team's home country.
Mexico
Mexico
TelevisaUnivision
Free TV
South Africa
South Africa
SuperSport
Paid TV
Probable Lineups
Projected starting XI based on the announced squad, ranked by international caps. Final lineups confirmed by FIFA an hour before kick-off.
Mexico
- GK Guillermo Ochoa AEL Limassol
- DF Jesús Gallardo Toluca
- DF Edson Álvarez Fenerbahçe
- DF César Montes Lokomotiv Moscow
- DF Jorge Sánchez PAOK
- MF Orbelín Pineda AEK Athens
- MF Luis Romo Guadalajara
- MF Luis Chávez Dynamo Moscow
- MF Érik Lira Cruz Azul
- FW Raúl Jiménez Fulham
- FW Roberto Alvarado Guadalajara
South Africa
- GK Ronwen Williams Mamelodi Sundowns
- DF Aubrey Modiba Mamelodi Sundowns
- DF Khuliso Mudau Mamelodi Sundowns
- DF Nkosinathi Sibisi Orlando Pirates
- DF Mbekezeli Mbokazi Chicago Fire FC
- MF Themba Zwane Mamelodi Sundowns
- MF Teboho Mokoena Mamelodi Sundowns
- MF Sphephelo Sithole Tondela
- MF Thalente Mbatha Orlando Pirates
- FW Lyle Foster Burnley
- FW Evidence Makgopa Orlando Pirates
Match Prediction
Mexico
40%
Draw
26%
34%
South Africa
Based on FIFA rankings and tournament data
Make Your Prediction
Head-to-Head
Mexico
South Africa
#15
FIFA Ranking
#60
CONCACAF
Confederation
CAF
Group A
Group
Group A
Javier Aguirre
Coach
Hugo Broos
South Korea 
Czech Republic Frequently Asked Questions
When does Mexico vs South Africa kick off?
The opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, 2026 at 15:00 ET at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Where can I watch Mexico vs South Africa?
The tournament opener will be broadcast worldwide. In the United States: FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). In Mexico: TV Azteca and Televisa.
Who is favored to win the World Cup 2026 opener?
Mexico enters as the home favorite. El Tri's FIFA ranking and home advantage at altitude make them the betting favorite, though South Africa's qualifying form has been impressive.