The wait is over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here.
Co-hosts Mexico kick off the biggest World Cup in history against South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, which hosted the competition’s final in 1970 and 1986. Festivities begin at 6.30pm BST (1.30pm ET / 3.30am AEST – Friday) with the first of three opening ceremonies (co-hosts Canada and the USA also have their own version before their respective first games), before the The action on the field takes over.
These two countries are no strangers to the opening match of a World Cup, having played the opening match in Johannesburg in 2010. On that occasion, South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala started the party with a thunderbolt to put the hosts up 1-0, before Rafael Marquez’s late equalizer snatched the tie from Mexico. Sixteen years later, Márquez is on the bench as assistant to coach Javier Aguirre and will be planning a winning start to the 2026 tournament.
So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free from anywhere at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico vs South Africa: Team News
Mexico: Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Gutiérrez, Fidalgo, Quiñones; Jimenez.
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Adams; Foster, Rayners.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free
Mexico vs South Africa is available to watch for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Türkiye.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unlock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams
It’s the World Cup and, if you travel, you may discover your usual Mexico vs South Africa Streaming is suddenly unavailable due to geographic restrictions.
Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help you. A virtual private network allows you to connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your regular World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
we recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the US
American viewers can watch Mexico vs South Africa in Foxwhile the match is also broadcast for free on tubi.
You can watch all the World Cup matches on Fox and FS1, which are available on cable cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), fubo either DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (try it for 60 days).
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK
UK customers are in luck because they can stream Mexico vs South Africa free in ITV. Live coverage is available on ITV1 and ITVX.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN You can unblock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Australia
Mexico vs South Africa will be shown for free in Australia on SBS on demand.
The streaming platform has all the tournament games for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or vacation? A VPN like Norton VPN can help you unlock your free streaming.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Canada
In Canada, TSN and open channel CTV will be transmitting Mexico vs South Africa.
You can broadcast live through the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
CTV will require your TV provider login details to watch free online.
Outside Canada? Wear Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unblock your stream.
Mexico vs South Africa: Match information
What time does Mexico vs South Africa start?
Mexico vs South Africa starts at 8pm BST / 3pm ET on Thursday 11 June. It’s 5am AEST on Friday June 12 in Australia.
What are the squads for Mexico vs South Africa?
Mexico
Goalkeepers: Raúl Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
Defenders: Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club América), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vásquez (Génova), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chávez (AZ).
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Atenas), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutiérrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Álvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atlético de Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow).
Forwards: César Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martínez (UNAM), Armando González (Guadalajara), Santiago Giménez (AC Milan), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham).
South Africa
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
|
Position |
Equipment |
God |
Needles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Mexico |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
South Africa |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
South Korea |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
Czechia |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Mexico vs South Africa on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone.
You can also stay up to date with all the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
