How to Watch Mexico vs. South Africa: Lineups, Stats, and Broadcast Details for World Cup Opener

Asher Hyre Updated: 8 hours ago

The 2026 World Cup kicks off with a historic clash as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa. Here's a complete preview, including probable lineups, key statistics, and how to watch the tournament's opening match.

Mexico and South Africa, both drawn in Group A, will open the 2026 World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This fixture is a historic rematch of the 2010 opening game in Johannesburg, where the two nations played to a 1-1 draw. It marks the first time an opening match has been repeated in World Cup history.

The occasion is also momentous for the host nation, as Mexico becomes the first country to host the tournament for a third time. The legendary Estadio Azteca will also set a record by hosting its third World Cup opening match.

Mexico, known as "El Tri," enters the tournament with a clear objective: to attack with determination from the first whistle. Under manager Javier Aguirre, the team is undefeated this year, boasting a record of six wins and two draws. Their pragmatic style and defensive discipline are evident in their impressive record of 15 goals scored and only two conceded.

South Africa, meanwhile, returns to the World Cup stage after a 16-year absence, eager to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history. Their form leading up to the tournament has been inconsistent. They were eliminated by Cameroon in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations and have managed three draws and one loss in their last four friendly matches.

Mexico vs. South Africa: Key Statistics

Mexico remains undefeated in seven World Cup matches played at the Estadio Azteca, with five wins and two draws.

"El Tri" has been leading at halftime in five of their last six games. None of South Africa's nine previous World Cup matches have ended in a goalless draw. Both teams have scored in five of South Africa's last six international fixtures.

Head-to-Head History

June 11, 2010: South Africa 1-1 Mexico

July 8, 2005: South Africa 2-1 Mexico

June 7, 2000: Mexico 4-2 South Africa

October 6, 1993: Mexico 4-0 South Africa

Probable Lineups

Mexico (4-1-4-1): Rangel; J. Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; E. Alvarez; Gutiérrez, Lira, Fidalgo, Quiñones; Jiménez.

Manager: Javier Aguirre

South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Matuludi, Mbokazi, Makhanya, Kabini; Sithole, Mbatha; Appollis, Adams, Mofokeng; Foster.

Manager: Hugo Broos

Injuries and Suspensions

There are currently no reported injuries or suspensions for either team.

Match Details: Date, Time, and How to Watch

The 2026 World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa will take place on Thursday, June 11, at the Estadio Ciudad de México (Estadio Azteca). The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff and will feature performances from artists such as Shakira, Burna Boy, Belinda, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, and Tyla.

The match is schedule to kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. CT / 12:00 p.m. PT. It will be available to watch on FOX, available via cable and live streaming services such as YouTube TV.