It’s been a long four years, but the FIFA World Cup kicks off today.
One of three host countries this year, Mexico will officially open the 2026 World Cup against Group A foe South Africa today, June 11.
South Africa is back in the World Cup after a 16-year hiatus. In nine past World Cup matches, Bafana Bafana have won just two, never advancing out of the group stage. This year, the team looks to make history with a roster that focuses on an aesthetically pleasing, technical style of play.
Mexico vs. SOuth Africa: what to know
- What: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group stage
- When: June 11, 3 p.m. ET
- Where: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)
- Channel: FOX
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
El Tri have been the most successful CONCACAF team in the four-year cycle that followed last World Cup, with two Gold Cups and a 2024 victory at the CONCACAF Nations League. They’ll go into this World Cup with a mix of veteran talent and young upstarts, including the tournament’s youngest player, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s kick off to the World Cup.
Mexico vs. South Africa time
The FIFA World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET today.
Mexico vs. South Africa channel
Mexico vs. South Africa will air on FOX in the United States. American viewers can also stream the match in Spanish on Telemundo.
How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa for free
If you don’t have cable or an antenna, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the World Cup for free.
DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching sports live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes FOX and FS1 as part of its 90+ channels.
Sling TV is another affordable way to stream soccer live; its Select plan includes FOX and starts at $19.99/month.
Who is performing in the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony?
The World Cup 2026 will have three different opening ceremonies — one in each host country. In today’s tournament opener, the Mexico opening ceremony will feature J. Balvin and Tyla.
Tomorrow, both the United States and Canada will hold their respective opening ceremonies. tk will perform in the American opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium, and Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Alessia Cara will take the stage in Toronto.
Mexico World Cup schedule
| Date and time | Opponent | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| June 11, 3 p.m. ET | South Africa (World Cup – Group A) | FOX |
| June 18, 9 p.m. ET | South Korea (World Cup – Group A) | FOX |
| June 24, 9 p.m. ET | Czechia (World Cup – Group A) | FOX |
South Africa World Cup schedule
| Date and time | Opponent | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| June 11, 3 p.m. ET | Mexico (World Cup – Group A) | FOX |
| June 18, 12 p.m. ET | Czechia (World Cup – Group A) | FOX |
| June 24, 9 p.m. ET | South Korea (World Cup – Group A) | FS1 |
Mexico World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- Raúl Rangel
- Carlos Acevedo
- Guillermo Ochoa
Defenders:
- Jorge Sánchez
- César Montes
- Johan Vásquez
- Israel Reyes
- Mateo Chávez
- Jesús Gallardo
Midfielders:
- Edson Álvarez (captain)
- Erik Lra
- Luis Romo
- Álvaro Fidalgo
- Orbelín Pineda
- Obed Vargas
- Gilberto Mora
- César Huerta
- Luis Chávez
- Brian Gutiérrez
Forwards:
- Raúl Jiménez
- Alexis Vega
- Santiago Gimenez
- Armando González
- Julián Quiñones
- Guillermo Martínez
- Roberto Alvarado
South Africa World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- Ronwen Williams (captain)
- Sipho Chaine
- Ricardo Goss
Defenders:
- Thabang Matuludi
- Khulumani Ndamane
- Aubrey Modiba
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Samukele Kabini
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Khuliso Mudau
- Ime Okon
- Olwethu Makhanya
- Bradley Cross
Midfielders:
- Teboho Mokoena
- Thalente Mbatha
- Sphephelo Sithole
- Jayden Adams
- Kamogelo Sebelebele
Forwards:
- Oswin Appollis
- Tshepang Moremi
- Lyle Foster
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Thapelo Maseko
- Iqraam Rayners
- Evidence Makgopa
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.