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The 2026 World Cup gets underway on Thursday in a remarkable twist, with the opening match echoing—and essentially inverting—the tournament's first game from 2010.
In that edition, South Africa hosted Mexico in the opening fixture; now, Mexico—co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Canada—receives Bafana Bafana on their own turf.
The Group A clash will take place at the legendary Estadio Azteca, a ground where Mexico has gone unbeaten in competitive matches since 2013. Add to that their impressive record in World Cup opening games (their last loss in one dates back to 1994), and El Tri enter the contest as heavy favorites.
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South Africa, though, should not be underestimated. The two nations shared a memorable 1–1 draw in that 2010 opener, with Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning goal etching itself into World Cup folklore as one of the tournament's most celebrated strikes.
Supporters will be hoping for an equally thrilling spectacle this time. Here are all the essential details on how and where to catch the action.
What Time Does Mexico vs. South Africa Kick Off?
How to Watch Mexico vs. South Africa on TV, Live Stream
Country | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
United States | FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Tubi, FOXOne, SiriusXM FC, Futbol de Primera Radio |
Mexico | Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Nu9ve, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX Mexico |
Canada | TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave |
United Kingdom | Prime Video UK, ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, STV Player, Bet365 |
MORE: Full list of broadcasters around the world for Mexico vs. South Africa
What's Next for Mexico, South Africa?
After their encounter in Mexico City, both Mexico and South Africa will shift focus to their remaining Group A matches.
South Africa return to action first, taking on Czechia on Thursday, June 18 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. The following day, Mexico face South Korea at Akron Stadium in Zapopan.
The group stage wraps up on June 25, when Mexico clash with Czechia and South Africa face South Korea, with a place in the knockout rounds at stake.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.