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Mexico 2-0 South Africa LIVE: Watch World Cup 2026 opener, free streams, team news
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup 2026 is here, and we have a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser in South Africa, as Mexico take on Bafana Bafana in their backyard.
This Mexico side arrive on an impressive run of performances and are billed by many as underdogs.
You can keep up with all the action right here on TechRadar, with live updates and free streams for Mexico vs South Africa.
Mexico vs South Africa: The Essentials
- Date: 11 June 2026
- Kick-Off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 5am AEST
- Free Streams: ITVX (UK) / RTÉ Player (Ireland) / SBS On Demand (Australia) / Tubi (US)
- Unlock your free streams with Norton VPN (60-day money back guarantee)
- More from TechRadar: World Cup full streaming guide
Welcome to our live blog of Mexico vs South Africa
It's the opening game of the World Cup as Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
You can stream the game and opening ceremony beforehand for free on ITVX (UK), RTÉ Player (Ireland), SBS On Demand (Australia), Tubi (US).
Norton VPN will unlock your stream if you're out of the country.
What is the weather looking like for Mexico vs South Africa?
It feels like there has been more talk about the weather at this World Cup than at any previous tournament, but conditions are looking relatively calm in Mexico City today.
Showers are forecast, but temperatures are expected to remain around 23C (73F).
When will the opening ceremony start?
The opening game of the tournament doesn't just mark the start of the football — it also features a full opening ceremony for fans to enjoy.
It all begins at 6:30pm BST / 1:30pm ET, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining the event. Find out more about how to watch it here.
🇲🇽 🇿🇦 Relive the 2010 magic
Remember the 2010 opening game between these two? We certainly do:
What are the kick-off times around the world for Mexico vs South Africa?
Australia at 5am AEST (Fri)
Brazil at 4pm
Canada at 3pm ET
Central Europe at 9pm CEST
India at 12:30am IST (Fri)
Mexico at 1pm
New Zealand at 7am NZST (Fri)
South Africa at 9pm SAST
US at 3pm ET / 12pm PT
UK at 8pm BST
Who should I watch out for in the Mexico team?
Well, outside of Raúl Jiménez, one player who could potentially set the Azteca alight tonight is Armando González.
The 23-year-old has been something of a revelation for Chivas this season and has netted 24 goals in Liga MX in just 35 games. It may be too early, yes, but with Jiménez unlikely to last a full 90 minutes, this young striker could be the perfect tonic for Javier Aguirre and his men.
Who should I watch out for in the South Africa team?
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is the most well-known to us football fans, but a young star you have to keep an eye on at this World Cup is Relebohile Mofokeng.
The 21-year-old hasn't quite backed up his club form at international level yet, but with 125 club appearances and over 50 goal contributions at just 21, he could be a real threat to Mexico if given the opportunity.
Hugo Broos has assured South African fans that he will be given more responsibility during the tournament. Can he deliver?
How to watch 2026 World Cup - Free options
Can I stream Mexico vs South Africa free in the US?
Yes, this is just one of two games that Tubi will broadcast for free in the US. The other being USA's opener against Paraguay.
The atmosphere is building...
Will Ochoa start for Mexico?
World Cup cult hero Guillermo Ochoa is now at his sixth tournament, equalling the record Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will also set this week. But will he start?
Well, it looks unlikely, with Raúl “Tala” Rangel from Chivas preferred in recent games. However, there is always a chance, and if you want experience, look no further than Ochoa.
1 hour until the opening ceremony begins
We are just one hour away from the opening ceremony starting at the Estadio Azteca.
Start getting those streams ready, remember ITVX (UK), RTÉ Player (Ireland), SBS On Demand (Australia) and Tubi (US) are all showing it for free.
😍 Mexico's beautiful kit
Mexico knows how to make beautiful kits, and 2026 is no different. Something of a throwback to their 1998 classic.
Who are the pundits on ITV tonight?
UK viewers will have to tune into ITV1 tonight to watch Mexico vs South Africa with Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright in the studio tonight for this one. They will be joined be presenter Mark Pougatch.
As for commentary it will be Jon Champion and Scotland's favourite son Ally McCoist.
How high is the Estadio Azteca?
We always hear about Mexico City sitting well above sea level and the problems that altitude can cause for players, but how high is it really?
At 2,200m, it’s, well… high. At that elevation there’s roughly 22% less oxygen than at sea level, which makes a noticeable difference in how players cope physically.
It’ll be a serious test for the South Africans, while Mexico will be more than happy to lean into those home conditions and turn up the pressure tonight.
10 minutes until the opening ceremony in Mexico!
Get those streams ready or check out our full guide on it here. Shakira is performing!
Here we go...
We are streaming on US service, Tubi and you can too. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is part of the punditry team today.
Remember if you are abroad and want to access your home service then you can thanks to Norton VPN.
Mexico's opening ceremony has started
And, after a slight delay the opening ceremony has begun. A 20-minute slot is scheduled for this.
Team News out
Mexico XI: Rangel, Montes, Vasquez, Reyes, Gallardo, Lira, Fidalgo, Alvarado, Gutierrez, Jimenez, Quinones.
Subs: Acevedo, Ochoa, Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez, Romo, Pineda, Vargas, Mora, Chavez, Vega, Gimenez, Gonzalez, Huerta, Martinez..
South Africa XI: Williams, Modiba, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau, Okon, Mokoena, Sithole, Adams, Foster, Rayners.
Subs: Chaine, Goss, Matuludi, Ndamane, Kabini, Makhanya, Sebelebele, Cross, Mbatha, Appolis, Moremi, Mofokeng, Zwane, Maseko, Makgopa.
Here comes Shakira...
Shakira and Burna Boy are now performing their official World Cup song, Dai Dai
That's that...
It's time for football, one hour till it all kicks-off. Will Mexico make the perfect start or can South Africa spring a shock and silence Mexico City?
The vibes are strong with South Africa 🇿🇦
South Africa’s national team has ARRIVED at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico…The World Cup vibes are HERE. 🇿🇦🕺🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/ymu2YZV07KJune 11, 2026
Mexico's 3rd home World Cup
It’s a big day for Mexico not just because of their World Cup opener, but because they become the first country to host three editions of the tournament.
On both previous occasions they hosted — in 1970 and 1986 — they reached the quarter-finals. The question now is whether they can make it a third time.
Can I listen to Mexico vs South Africa?
Yes, the World Cup is available to listen in the UK and US, including Mexico vs South Africa. BBC Radio 5 Live are broadcasting in the UK while SiriusXM will be available in the US.
Abroad and can't access the radio? Listen from anywhere with Norton VPN.
Who else is in Mexico and South Africa's group?
Joining Mexico and South Africa we have South Korea and Czechia, who play each other at 10pm ET / 3am BST after this game.
South Korea are led by talisman and national icon Son Heung-Min while Czechia will need the likes of Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick if they are to progress.
Another opening ceremony...
One opening ceremony isn't enough! We're now in for our second one, with flag bearers from every participating country.
It's not quite the Olympic opening ceremony, is it...?
TechRadar's Predicition
Mexico 3-0 South Africa
We are backing Mexico to get the World Cup started with a big win on home soil. Viva Mexico!
Mexico 0-0 South Africa
A volley from Raul Jimenez following a neat move is brilliantly saved by Ronwen Williams. What a start that would have been for Mexico.
Goallllllll - Mexico 1-0 South Africa
The first goal of the World Cup has taken just 9 minutes. It's poor from South Africa giving the ball away and Julian Quinones pounces and strikes it past the keeper.
Mexico 1-0 South Africa
So after 24 minutes we head into a drinks break. South Africa have begun to settle, but they still look a degree short against Mexico.
HT - Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Quinones' goal gives Mexico a 1-0 lead at the break.
Red Card - Mexico 1-0 South Africa
Yaya Sithole is adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and is shown a straight red card.
Goallll Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Raul Jimenez makes it 2-0 to the home side as heads past the South African keeper at the back post. It's going to be three points for El Tri.
Full Time - Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Three red cards, two goals and a win for Mexico. They start the World Cup with three points.