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Mexico vs South Africa LIVE: Watch World Cup 2026 opener, free streams, build-up
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup 2026 is here, and we have a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser in South Africa, as Mexico take on Bafana Bafana in their backyard.
This Mexico side arrive on an impressive run of performances and are billed by many as underdogs.
You can keep up with all the action right here on TechRadar, with live updates and free streams for Mexico vs South Africa.
Mexico vs South Africa: The Essentials
- Date: 11 June 2026
- Kick-Off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 5am AEST
- Free Streams: ITVX (UK) / RTÉ Player (Ireland) / SBS On Demand (Australia) / Tubi (US)
- Unlock your free streams with Norton VPN (60-day money back guarantee)
- More from TechRadar: World Cup full streaming guide
How to watch 2026 World Cup - Free options
Who should I watch out for in the South Africa team?
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is the most well-known to us football fans, but a young star you have to keep an eye on at this World Cup is Relebohile Mofokeng.
The 21-year-old hasn't quite backed up his club form at international level yet, but with 125 club appearances and over 50 goal contributions at just 21, he could be a real threat to Mexico if given the opportunity.
Hugo Broos has assured South African fans that he will be given more responsibility during the tournament. Can he deliver?
Who should I watch out for in the Mexico team?
Well, outside of Raúl Jiménez, one player who could potentially set the Azteca alight tonight is Armando González.
The 23-year-old has been something of a revelation for Chivas this season and has netted 24 goals in Liga MX in just 35 games. It may be too early, yes, but with Jiménez unlikely to last a full 90 minutes, this young striker could be the perfect tonic for Javier Aguirre and his men.
What are the kick-off times around the world for Mexico vs South Africa?
Australia at 5am AEST (Fri)
Brazil at 4pm
Canada at 3pm ET
Central Europe at 9pm CEST
India at 12:30am IST (Fri)
Mexico at 1pm
New Zealand at 7am NZST (Fri)
South Africa at 9pm SAST
US at 3pm ET / 12pm PT
UK at 8pm BST
🇲🇽 🇿🇦 Relive the 2010 magic
Remember the 2010 opening game between these two? We certainly do:
When will the opening ceremony start?
The opening game of the tournament doesn't just mark the start of the football — it also features a full opening ceremony for fans to enjoy.
It all begins at 6:30pm BST / 1:30pm ET, with Shakira and Burna Boy headlining the event. Find out more about how to watch it here.
What is the weather looking like for Mexico vs South Africa?
It feels like there has been more talk about the weather at this World Cup than at any previous tournament, but conditions are looking relatively calm in Mexico City today.
Showers are forecast, but temperatures are expected to remain around 23C (73F).
Welcome to our live blog of Mexico vs South Africa
It's the opening game of the World Cup as Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
You can stream the game and opening ceremony beforehand for free on ITVX (UK), RTÉ Player (Ireland), SBS On Demand (Australia), Tubi (US).
Norton VPN will unlock your stream if you're out of the country.