Raúl Jiménez will lead Mexico’s attack as they aim to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a win.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City, marking a reversal of the opening fixture of the 2010 edition held in South Africa.
Date: Thursday, June 11
Kick-off Time: 8:00pm BST / 3:00pm ET / 5:00am AEST (Friday)
Free Stream: ITV (UK) / SBS (AUS)
TV & Streaming: Fox (US)
Global Access: Use Norton VPN (60-day money-back guarantee)
Exactly 16 years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s spectacular goal was met with the roar of vuvuzelas as South Africa took the lead. However, Rafael Márquez equalised late to ensure a draw for Mexico.
This time, it is Mexico who will have the home crowd behind them when they face Bafana Bafana in the Group A opener.
Javier Aguirre’s men have been in fine form, remaining unbeaten in their last eight games. Their latest outing saw them thrash Serbia 5-1 earlier this month.
South Africa’s recent performances have been less convincing. They suffered a loss to Panama in May, followed by a goalless draw against Nicaragua and a narrow 1-0 win over Jamaica. Based on this form, El Tri will be confident of a strong start.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026 — live, online, and on TV.
The match will be available for free streaming across several regions: ITV in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.
In the United States, this is one of only two matches available for free on Tubi.
English commentary will be available on ITV, RTÉ Player, and SBS On Demand.
Outside these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world.
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In the UK, fans can stream Mexico vs South Africa live on ITV.
Watch Mexico vs South Africa free on ITVX
ITV will air all 51 World Cup matches live in the UK, including Mexico vs South Africa. Viewers will need an account and a valid TV licence. Full match replays will also be available on-demand after the final whistle.
In the US: The match will be shown live on Fox and available for free on Tubi.
Fox’s coverage can be accessed via the Fox One streaming platform or through services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling (in select markets), Fubo, and DirecTV.
Most of these platforms offer free trials, except Sling.
Stream Mexico vs South Africa on Fox One
Fox One is the simplest option for US viewers this summer. The platform includes both Fox and FS1, offering a 3-day free trial with subscriptions starting at $19.99 per month afterward.
In Australia, the match will be streamed live and free on SBS On Demand.
Watch Mexico vs South Africa live and free on SBS
Australian fans can enjoy every World Cup match for free on SBS On Demand by signing up with an account and providing a valid Australian postcode (for example, 2026).
Having reached the quarter-finals in both previous World Cups they hosted, Mexico will find it challenging to replicate that success this time. Fans have voiced frustration at what they perceive as overly cautious tactics, particularly after goalless draws against Uruguay and Portugal.
Coach Aguirre, however, is managing a relatively limited squad. Few of his players feature in Europe’s top leagues, and 35-year-old Raúl Jiménez remains his most recognised name.
Despite the concerns, Mexico are tactically disciplined and defensively strong, and they will back their attacking talent to secure three points against South Africa.
Under Hugo Broos, South Africa have made steady progress, finishing atop their qualifying group despite a three-point deduction for fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena in a 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
It was a commendable qualification run, especially given that most of their squad plays domestically. With no standout stars, Bafana Bafana rely heavily on teamwork and collective discipline, which could make things tricky for the hosts.
As expected, Wolves forward Raúl Jiménez starts for Mexico, while 17-year-old defender Gilberto Mora — the youngest player at the World Cup — is listed among the substitutes.
Mexico Starting XI: Rangel, Alvarado, Vasquez, Gallardo, Gutierrez, Montes, Lira, Fidalgo, Reyes, Quinones, Jimenez.
Substitutes: Acevedo, Ochoa, Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez, Romo, Pineda, Vargas, Mora, Chavez, Vega, Gimenez, Gonzalez, Huerta, Martinez.
Premier League fans will recognise one face in the South African lineup — Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who leads the line for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa Starting XI: Williams, Mbokazi, Okon, Sibisi, Mudau, Modiba, Mokoena, Sithole, Adams, Rayners, Foster.
Substitutes: Chaine, Goss, Matuludi, Ndamane, Kabini, Makhanya, Sebelebele, Cross, Mbatha, Appolis, Moremi, Mofokeng, Zwane, Maseko, Makgopa.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Mexico are expected to have the edge in what will likely be a cautious opening game. Here’s what to expect on matchday:
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Previous meeting: 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup opener
Weather: 22–24°C with a 20% chance of rain.
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