The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially kick off this Thursday, June 11, with a match full of symbolism and history, as the Mexico National Team will be in charge of opening the World Cup against South Africa at the renovated Azteca Stadium -officially called “Mexico City Stadium” during the tournament-, in a match that will mark the beginning of the first World Cup edition with 48 teams and three host countries.
The match will bring back inevitable memories for Mexican fans, as the two teams also played in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, they will meet again on the most important stage of international soccer.
Mexico wants to start off on the right foot
The Mexican National Team arrives with the responsibility of opening the tournament in front of its fans.
As one of the three host countries, El Tri will be looking to take advantage of their home advantage to start with a victory that will put them on track to qualify for the next round.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic for Mexico, which will become the first country to host matches in three different World Cups, following the 1970 and 1986 editions.
In addition, the Azteca Stadium will be the first venue to host three World Cup opening matches.
For their part, South Africa will try to surprise in a group where every point can be decisive.
The Africans return to the tournament with the hope of getting out of the group stage and starting with a positive result against one of the hosts (Filed under: Mexico vs South Africa World Cup 2026).
Time of Mexico vs. South Africa in the United States and Mexico
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa will be played this Thursday, June 11.
Time in Mexico
1:00 p.m. (Mexico Central Time)
U.S. time
3:00 p.m. ET (Eastern)
2:00 p.m. CT (Central)
1:00 p.m. MT (Mountain)
12:00 p.m. PT (Pacific)
Where to watch Mexico vs South Africa LIVE
In the United States
Fans can follow the game on:
FOX Sports (English)
Telemundo (Spanish)
Peacock (streaming in Spanish)
FOX One and associated sports streaming platforms.
In Mexico
The broadcast will be available through:
Channel 5
Las Estrellas
TUDN
TV Azteca
ViX and ViX+ in streaming.
South Africa will try to surprise
QuéOnnda.com
A match for history
Beyond the three points, Mexico vs. South Africa represents the start of a historic 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches.
Millions of fans in the United States, Mexico and the rest of the world will be watching for the opening whistle to kick off soccer’s biggest party.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
