The first half ends.

Mexico defeats South Africa 1-0 in the World Cup opening match.

Ronwen Williams is already a key player for South Africa

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has already made at least a couple of saves.

Goal for Mexico

8' Julián Quiñones scores after high pressure from Mexico and a defensive error

Raúl Jiménez almost scores

The Wolves striker had the first chance of the match, but we're still goalless

Mexico vs. South Africa kicks off

 The ball is rolling in Mexico City, the home side takes the initiative.

The atmosphere of the World Cup opening ceremony

The Angel of Independence already has Mexican fans

After a magnificent opening show, the presentation of the teams and their anthems will take place

Bafana Bafana's lineup 

The lineup of Mexico 

🏟️ When and Where

The opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa will be played on Thursday, June 11 at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT at Mexico City Stadium.

📺 How to Watch Mexico vs South Africa

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Click here to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS Connect

If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world.

🇲🇽 Mexico's Preview

Mexico enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the three host nations and with the excitement of opening the tournament in front of its home fans.

El Tri will look to take advantage of the atmosphere at Mexico City Stadium to begin its World Cup campaign in the best possible way during a tournament that means so much for Mexican football.

Mexico heads into the match with momentum after winning its last two friendlies. El Tri defeated Ghana 2-0 before securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Australia. Mexico's final tune-up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup will come on June 4, when Javier Aguirre's side takes on Serbia in its last preparation match before the tournament begins.

🇿🇦 South Africa's Preview

South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing first in CAF Qualifying Group D.

The South Africans collected 18 points thanks to six victories, zero draws, and zero defeats, producing a nearly perfect qualifying campaign to secure their World Cup ticket. Now, they will try to pull off a surprise against one of the tournament hosts in the opening match.

South Africa, meanwhile, enters the match after a less convincing run of results. Bafana Bafana played to a 1-1 draw against Nicaragua before being held to another draw by Panama. Unlike Mexico, South Africa will not have any additional warm-up matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, meaning this stretch of preparation is now complete as Hugo Broos and his squad shift their full focus toward the tournament.

⭐ Players to Watch

🇲🇽 Mexico – Santiago Giménez

Santiago Giménez will be one of Mexico’s biggest attacking hopes heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The striker is expected to lead the Mexican attack and carry the responsibility of becoming one of the team’s key figures.

🇿🇦 South Africa – Percy Tau

Percy Tau will be one of South Africa’s most dangerous players thanks to his speed, creativity, and international experience. The African attacker will try to become the main offensive threat for his national team.

🎯 Final Analysis

Mexico enters the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the favorite, not only because of the home advantage, but also because of the individual quality within its squad and the emotional boost of playing in front of its supporters.

However, South Africa will try to take advantage of the pressure that usually surrounds a World Cup opener and attempt to deliver one of the tournament’s first surprises.

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