Mexico vs South Africa LIVE Streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 opening game
Mexico and South Africa will face each other for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The stage for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening fixture of the summer tournament. The match will mirror the FIFA World Cup 2010 opener, with both sides kicking off the tournament with a thrilling 1-1 draw. However, this time, Mexico will have home advantage.
Mexico qualified for the World Cup as the co-hosts. They also got a manageable draw, as they are in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.
On the other hand, South Africa topped Group C of the CAF qualifying tournament despite a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player. Bafana Bafana secured direct qualification to the tournament by finishing first in the group, ahead of Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, despite having one of the strongest squads in Africa, Nigeria failed to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup after losing the CAF play-off final to DR Congo, who are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
While Raul Jimenez is expected to lead Mexico’s attack, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora could be the key factor for the two-time World Cup quarterfinalist. On Bafana’s end, Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng will lead the charge in offence.
When and where will the Mexico vs South Africa match take place?
The match will start at 12:30 AM IST on Friday, June 12, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.
Where and how to live stream the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, Mexico vs South Africa, in India?
The Mexico vs South Africa match will be streamed live in India on ZEE5, while the live telecast can be seen on the Unite8 Sports network. This match will also be available on Doordarshan.
Where and how to watch the Mexico vs South Africa game live in the UK?
The game can be viewed live in the UK through the BBC and ITV (STV in Scotland).
Where and how to watch the game live in the USA?
The game can be viewed live in the USA on FOX and FS1 and streamed on Fubo.
Full Broadcaster List here.
What is the kick-off time of the FIFA World Cup opener, Mexico vs South Africa?
The match will start at 12:30 AM IST on Friday, June 12.
Where will the match be played?
The match will be played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.
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