The biggest game in world football kicks off right here — find out everything you need for Mexico vs South Africa Live, including exact kick-off times in your timezone, where to stream or watch on TV, a full match preview, and our scoreline prediction.
Match Details Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Date | Thursday, June 11, 2026 |
| Kick-off (ET) | 3:00 PM ET |
| Kick-off (GMT) | 8:00 PM GMT |
| Kick-off (BST) | 8:00 PM BST |
| Kick-off (Mexico Local) | 2:00 PM CST |
| Kick-off (South Africa Local) | 10:00 PM SAST |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico |
| Stage | Group Stage — Group A (Match 1) |
How to Watch Mexico vs South Africa Live Stream Online
USA — Fox Sports App / Fubo
- Visit foxsports.com or download the Fox Sports App on your device.
- Sign in with your cable or streaming provider (DirecTV, Xfinity, etc.) or subscribe to Fubo for a cable-free option.
- Navigate to the Fox or FS1 live feed — the match airs on Fox (English) or Telemundo (Spanish).
- Hit watch and enjoy the tournament opener.
Canada — TSN / CTV
- Head to TSN.ca or download the TSN App on any device.
- Log in with your TSN or Bell Media cable subscription, or sign up for a standalone TSN+ plan.
- The match is also free on CTV — check the CTV app or Crave if you prefer that route.
- Tune in at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT for kick-off.
UK — ITV1 / ITVX
- Go to ITVX.com or download the ITVX app on your smart TV, phone, or tablet.
- Create a free ITVX account (no subscription required — it’s completely free-to-air).
- Find the live World Cup section and select the Mexico vs South Africa broadcast on ITV1.
- Kick-off is at 8:00 PM BST — coverage begins slightly earlier.
Australia — SBS On Demand
- Visit SBS On Demand or download the SBS app.
- Create a free SBS account if you don’t already have one.
- Locate the 2026 FIFA World Cup section and find the Mexico vs South Africa match — SBS holds all exclusive broadcast rights in Australia.
- Kick-off is at 5:00 AM AEST on June 12 (early morning Australian time).
Mexico — TelevisaUnivision (Las Estrellas / Canal 5) / ViX
- Tune into Canal 5 or Las Estrellas — both broadcast Mexico’s World Cup games free-to-air.
- To stream, download the ViX app on any device or visit vix.com.
- Sign in or register for a free ViX account — select matches including El Tri’s group games are available free of charge.
- The game kicks off at 2:00 PM CST, right in the home crowd’s prime viewing slot.
South Africa — SABC / SuperSport
- For free-to-air viewing, tune into SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) — available on standard TV.
- To stream, download the DStv App and log in with your SuperSport subscription.
- Navigate to the World Cup section and select the Group A opener — kick-off is 10:00 PM SAST.
- Alternatively, visit SuperSport.com for the live stream on your desktop browser.
VPN Tip for Travellers Abroad
If you’re overseas and want to access your usual home streaming service, a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN will let you connect to a server in your home country.
Clear your browser cache after connecting, then fire up your regular platform — it’ll work just as it does at home.
Which TV Channels Will Broadcast Mexico vs South Africa?
| Region | TV Channel(s) | Kick-off Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish) | 3:00 PM ET |
| Canada | TSN, CTV (English), RDS (French) | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT |
| UK | ITV1 | 8:00 PM BST |
| Australia | SBS | 5:00 AM AEST (June 12) |
| Mexico | Canal 5, Las Estrellas (TelevisaUnivision), TV Azteca | 2:00 PM CST |
| South Africa | SABC (free-to-air), SuperSport (pay) | 10:00 PM SAST |
In the UK, ITV1 is entirely free-to-air, meaning no subscription is needed to watch the match — the BBC will share select later fixtures.
Australia’s SBS is similarly free, while South Africa offers a split between the free SABC broadcast and pay-TV access via SuperSport on DStv.
Match Preview
Mexico, ranked 15th in the world by FIFA, open their home World Cup as firm favourites against Bafana Bafana, who enter Group A ranked 60th.
Both sides have history here — they famously played the very first match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with Simphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opener still one of the most celebrated moments in the tournament’s history.
Mexico rely on a quick passing game built around midfielders Álvaro Fidalgo and Alexis Vega, with Edson Álvarez and Luis Romo holding deeper roles.
Hugo Broos’s South Africa are expected to deploy their trusted 4-3-2-1 system, using wide forwards Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng to exploit pace on the counter.
Mexico’s roster is spearheaded by Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez and AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez, though both are subject to fitness confirmation ahead of kick-off.
Bafana Bafana have no significant fresh injury concerns reported at squad announcement, though Aubrey Modiba’s availability will be monitored after a knock sustained at club level.
Mexico Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
| # | Position | Player Name | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Guillermo Ochoa | AEL Limassol |
| 2 | GK | Raúl Rangel | Guadalajara |
| 3 | GK | Carlos Acevedo | Santos Laguna |
| 4 | DEF | Edson Álvarez (C) | Fenerbahçe |
| 5 | DEF | Israel Reyes | Club América |
| 6 | DEF | Jesús Gallardo | Toluca |
| 7 | DEF | Johan Vásquez | Genoa |
| 8 | DEF | Jorge Sánchez | PAOK |
| 9 | DEF | César Montes | Lokomotiv Moscow |
| 10 | DEF | Mateo Chávez | AZ Alkmaar |
| 11 | MID | Álvaro Fidalgo | Real Betis |
| 12 | MID | Brian Gutiérrez | Guadalajara |
| 13 | MID | Erik Lira | Cruz Azul |
| 14 | MID | Gilberto Mora | Tijuana |
| 15 | MID | Luis Romo | Guadalajara |
| 16 | MID | Obed Vargas | Atlético Madrid |
| 17 | MID | Orbelín Pineda | AEK Athens |
| 18 | MID | Luis Chávez | Dynamo Moscow |
| 19 | FWD | Alexis Vega | Toluca |
| 20 | FWD | Armando González | Guadalajara |
| 21 | FWD | César Huerta | Anderlecht |
| 22 | FWD | Guillermo Martínez | Pumas UNAM |
| 23 | FWD | Julián Quiñones | Al Qadisiyah |
| 24 | FWD | Roberto Alvarado | Guadalajara |
| 25 | FWD | Raúl Jiménez | Fulham |
| 26 | FWD | Santiago Giménez | AC Milan |
Key Players to Watch
- Santiago Giménez: The AC Milan striker is Mexico’s most dangerous attacking threat — clinical in the box, composed under pressure, and capable of turning a game on a single chance.
- Edson Álvarez: The captain returned from ankle surgery to lead the midfield; his ability to break up attacks and distribute quickly sets the tempo for everything El Tri does.
- Gilberto Mora: At just 17, Mora could become Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup debutant — his technique and fearlessness in tight spaces make him one of the tournament’s most exciting prospects.
South Africa Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
| # | Position | Player Name | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Ronwen Williams (C) | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2 | GK | Ricardo Goss | Siwelele FC |
| 3 | GK | Sipho Chaine | Orlando Pirates |
| 4 | DEF | Khuliso Mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 5 | DEF | Nkosinathi Sibisi | Orlando Pirates |
| 6 | DEF | Ime Okon | Hannover 96 |
| 7 | DEF | Khulumani Ndamane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 8 | DEF | Aubrey Modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 9 | DEF | Samukele Kabini | Molde FK |
| 10 | DEF | Thabang Matuludi | Polokwane City |
| 11 | DEF | Olwethu Makhanya | Philadelphia Union |
| 12 | DEF | Kamogelo Sebelebele | Orlando Pirates |
| 13 | DEF | Bradley Cross | Kaizer Chiefs |
| 14 | DEF | Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Chicago Fire |
| 15 | MID | Teboho Mokoena | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 16 | MID | Jayden Adams | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 17 | MID | Thalente Mbatha | Orlando Pirates |
| 18 | MID | Sphephelo Sithole | CD Tondela |
| 19 | FWD | Oswin Appollis | Orlando Pirates |
| 20 | FWD | Iqraam Rayners | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 21 | FWD | Tshepang Moremi | Orlando Pirates |
| 22 | FWD | Relebohile Mofokeng | Orlando Pirates |
| 23 | FWD | Evidence Makgopa | Orlando Pirates |
| 24 | FWD | Themba Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 25 | FWD | Lyle Foster | Burnley |
| 26 | FWD | Thapelo Maseko | AEL Limassol |
Key Players to Watch
- Ronwen Williams: The captain and heartbeat of Bafana Bafana — his defining AFCON moment of saving four penalties against Cape Verde in a single quarter-final is one of African football’s most extraordinary individual performances.
- Lyle Foster: The Burnley striker is South Africa’s lone European-based forward and the focal point of Broos’s attack — his hold-up play and movement in behind give Bafana a genuine goal threat.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: One of the most exciting young forwards in African football, Mofokeng brings pace, directness, and an eye for goal that will trouble any defence.
Upcoming Match Schedule
Mexico — Next Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Stage | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jun 11 | South Africa | Group A | Estadio Azteca | 3:00 PM |
| Fri, Jun 19 | South Korea | Group A | Estadio Akron | 9:00 PM |
| Wed, Jun 24 | Czechia | Group A | Estadio Azteca | 9:00 PM |
South Africa — Next Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Stage | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jun 11 | Mexico | Group A | Estadio Azteca | 3:00 PM |
| Thu, Jun 18 | Czechia | Group A | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 12:00 PM |
| Wed, Jun 24 | South Korea | Group A | Estadio BBVA | 9:00 PM |
Mexico vs South Africa Prediction
Mexico hold every advantage on paper — home crowd of 87,000, higher FIFA ranking, a deeper squad, and the emotional weight of the entire nation behind them.
El Tri need Álvarez fit and Giménez sharp, but their defensive structure under Aguirre has been disciplined, and home advantage at this restored stadium is far from negligible.
South Africa will make this uncomfortable — they don’t come to simply participate — but the gap in quality across the pitch is significant.
We’re calling a Mexico 2–0 South Africa, though as the 2010 opener proved, Bafana Bafana have a habit of writing their own stories.
FAQs
What time does Mexico vs South Africa kick off?
The match kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM BST on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Local kick-off in Mexico City is 2:00 PM CST and 10:00 PM SAST for fans in South Africa.
Where can I watch Mexico vs South Africa in the USA?
US viewers can watch on Fox (English) or Telemundo (Spanish). Both Fox Sports and Telemundo are available through cable or streaming services like Fubo and YouTube TV.
What is the head-to-head record between Mexico and South Africa?
The two nations have met twice before — drawing 1–1 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and South Africa winning 2–1 at the 2005 Concacaf Gold Cup. The 2026 opener is the third ever clash between the sides.
Who is the key player to watch in Mexico vs South Africa?
Santiago Giménez is the name to watch for Mexico — the AC Milan striker is in the form of his life and arrives as the most clinical finisher El Tri have fielded in years. For South Africa, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams could be the difference-maker if the game stays tight.
Who will win Mexico vs South Africa?
Mexico are firm favourites as co-hosts with a superior squad and a roaring home crowd. We predict a 2–0 Mexico win, but South Africa have quality on the counter, and tournament openers have a way of defying expectations.
