The wait is over. FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here.
Co-hosts Mexico kick off the biggest World Cup ever against South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, which hosted the finals of this competition in 1970 and 1986. Festivities start at 6.30pm BST (1.30pm ET / 3.30am AEST – Fri) with the first of three other US opening ceremonies, before their own opening ceremonies in Canada. – before the action on the pitch takes over.
These two countries are no strangers to the opening game of a World Cup, having contested the curtain-raiser in Johannesburg in 2010. On that occasion, South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala got the party started with a thunderbolt to put the hosts 1-0 up, before Rafael Marquez’s late equalizer clinched a tie for Mexico. Sixteen years later, Marquez is in the dugout as an assistant to head coach Javier Aguirre and will be plotting 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 in FIFA World Cup 2026.
Mexico vs South Africa: Team News
Mexico: Wrangler; Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Quinoner; 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 UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock 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’re out and about, you might spot your usual Mexico vs South Africa stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in USA
American viewers can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Foxwhile the match will also be streamed for free on Tube.
You can watch all World Cup matches on Fox and FS1, which are available on cord cutters such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream Mexico vs South Africa free on ITV. Live coverage is available at ITV1 and ITVX.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock 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 every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel CTV will broadcast Mexico vs South Africa.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
CTV will require the TV provider’s login information, which you can watch online for free.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
Mexico vs South Africa: Match Information
When does Mexico vs South Africa start?
Mexico vs South Africa starts at 8pm BST / 3pm ET Thursday 11 June. It is at 05:00 AEST on Friday 12 June in Australia.
What are the squads for Mexico vs South Africa?
Mexico
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genova), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (AZ).
Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chavez (Dynamo).
Extenders: Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martinez (UNAM), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Raul Jimenez (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), (Both OFK Kabinme (Hannover), Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).
Extenders: 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 |
Team |
DG |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Mexico |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
South Africa |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
South Korea |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
The Czech Republic |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Mexico vs South Africa on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
