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The long-awaited arrival is here, and the 2026 World Cup journey will finally kick off with Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Exactly 16 years ago to the day, El Tri and Bafana Bafana got the action started when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup. Now, the two teams will once again get the ball rolling, this time on the other side of the world. This year's tournament will be Mexico's 18th appearance at the World Cup, while South Africa will be making the country's fourth, and first since hosting the 2010 edition.
Despite it being the opener, Thursday's game between the two can hold massive weight in determining how Group A shapes up. In a perfect world, Mexico would love to get some wind behind its sails in front of the Mexico City home crowd. However, South Africa's tournament would get off to a near-unfathomable start if they were to steal three points away from El Tri. There won't be a magical Siphiwe Tshabalala back-of-the-net effort this year, but that only means a new hero can be born from this South African squad in 2026.
The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Mexico vs. South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Follow for complete results from the Group A match in Mexico City.
Mexico vs. South Africa score
Location: Mexico City
Referee: Wilton Sampaio
Starting lineups:
Lineups will appear closer to kickoff.
Mexico (formation):
South Africa (formation):
2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup standings
Mexico vs. South Africa live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup
(All times ET)
Updates will appear closer to kickoff.
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:
- Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
- How World Cup qualifying works
- Updated FIFA World Rankings
- Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
- Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup
Where to watch Mexico vs. South Africa in World Cup
Mexico vs. South Africa start time
- Date: Thursday, June 11
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET, noon PT
Following the Opening Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. ET, Mexico and South Africa will kick off the first game of this year's World Cup at 3 p.m. ET from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
What channel is Mexico vs. South Africa on today?
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: Fubo (U.S. only free trial)
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
| Time | TV Channel | Streaming | |
| USA | 15:00 ET | Fox, Telemundo | fubo, Peacock |
| Canada | 15:00 ET | TSN 1, RDS (French) | TSN site/app, RDS app |
| UK | 20:00 GMT | BBC One | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website |
| Australia | 07:00 AEDT | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | 01:30 IST | Sports 18 | Voot, JioTV |
Mexico World Cup schedule 2026
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Thu, Jun. 11 | 3 p.m. | Mexico vs. South Africa | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 9 p.m. | Mexico vs. South Korea | Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, MEX) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 9 p.m. | Czechia vs. Mexico | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX) |
South Africa World Cup schedule 2026
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
| Thu, Jun. 11 | 3 p.m. | Mexico vs. South Africa | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, MEX) |
| Thu, Jun. 18 | 12 p.m. | Czechia vs. South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA) |
| Wed, Jun. 24 | 9 p.m. | South Africa vs. South Korea | Estadio Monterrey (Monterrey, MEX) |
English (US)