Mexico vs South Africa Kick-off time in India, USA, UK, Australia & more for FIFA World Cup 2026

Mexico has been a part of the FIFA World Cup 18 times, while South Africa are entering the tournament for the fourth time.

A mouth-watering clash awaits as co-hosts Mexico will face South Africa in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match will be played at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11.

The two teams faced each other in a similar setting last time, when they met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup. However, 16 years have passed, and almost everything has changed; both sides are ready to face each other once again. The opening clash will be of utmost importance for both sides, as it will help them set the tone for the entire tournament, which will be highly competitive.

Mexico have reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986, both times as hosts. Thus, El Tri will aim to at least replicate the success they achieved as hosts in previous editions, although Javier Aguirre would want his side to script a new chapter of history.

On the other hand, Hugo Broos’ men had a positive campaign during the African qualifiers. They topped their group in the qualifying round over Nigeria and Benin despite a point deduction, courtesy of Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play but was still fielded in Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.

Mexico might face issues in attack, led by a 35-year-old Raul Jiménez, who currently plays for Fulham. However, their defence has been solid, thanks to the centre-back duo of Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes. Gilberto Mora could also play a crucial role for Mexico if he remains fit.

Also Read: Mexico vs South Africa: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams will have the responsibility of backing his side from the middle of the poles. Khuliso Mudau and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are expected to form a partnership in defence and help South Africa deliver a dominant display of their footballing prowess at the Mexico City Stadium.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico vs South Africa: Kick-off time

• India (IST): Friday, June 12 at 12:30 AM
• Mexico (Local – CST): Thursday, June 11 at 1:00 PM
• South Africa (SAST): Thursday, June 11 at 9:00 PM
• USA / Canada (ET): Thursday, June 11 at 3:00 PM
• USA / Canada (PT): Thursday, June 11 at 12:00 PM
• UK / Ireland (BST): Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM
• Australia (AEST): Friday, June 12 at 5:00 AM
• China (CST): Friday, June 12 at 4:00 AM
• Japan (JST): Friday, June 12 at 5:00 AM

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