The 2026 World Cup begins with a historic twist: Mexico is hosting the tournament for a third time, and El Tri gets the first kick in front of a home crowd at Mexico City Stadium. The opener against South Africa starts Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. ET. In the United States, viewers can watch on FOX, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo and Peacock.
This is more than a first group-stage match. It is a rerun of the 2010 World Cup opener, when South Africa hosted Mexico and the teams drew 1-1. Sixteen years later to the day, the roles are reversed, the venue is one of soccer's most famous stadiums, and Group A begins with a test of Mexico's home advantage.
What We Know So Far
Mexico vs. South Africa is the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for 3 p.m. ET at Mexico City Stadium, the World Cup name for Estadio Azteca. FOX Sports lists the match on FOX, with streaming options including FOX One, Tubi and FOX Sports. CNN also says all 104 World Cup matches in the U.S. are available on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language broadcasts are on Telemundo and Peacock.
Mexico enters the tournament as a co-host and the early favorite in Group A. Yahoo Sports lists Mexico at -235 against South Africa, with South Africa at +650 and the draw at +340. FOX Sports notes that Mexico is ranked 15th by FIFA and is appearing in its 18th World Cup, while South Africa is ranked 60th and is making its fourth appearance.
The stakes are sharpened by venue and history. Mexico is set to become the first country to host three World Cups, after staging the tournament in 1970 and 1986. Estadio Azteca hosted Pelé's Brazil in the 1970 final and Diego Maradona's Argentina in 1986, including the famous quarterfinal against England. Al Jazeera reports the stadium sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level, a condition that can affect fatigue and running intensity.
There is also a practical side for fans. CNN reported road closures around the stadium, people walking from almost two miles away, and several Mexico City Metro station closures linked to demonstrations. Weather may also matter: CNN said storm chances could rise from 25% at kickoff to more than 75% by 5 p.m. ET, with lightning carrying the potential to suspend play.
- El Tri
- The common nickname for Mexico's national soccer team.
- Bafana Bafana
- The nickname for South Africa's national soccer team.
- Group A
- The World Cup group containing Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.
What People Are Saying
The emotion around the match is mixed. The tournament's return to Mexico has created a party atmosphere, but CNN reported that some Mexican fans are frustrated by the cost and availability of tickets for the games on Mexican soil.
For Mexico’s economic reality, the only people who have the most means will be able to get in
Ferreira, who attended the 1970 and 1986 World Cups in Mexico, told CNN that opening-match ticket prices released in a second round ranged from $3,000 to $10,000. He said that made the third Mexican-hosted World Cup feel different from the first two he experienced.
I think we felt the whole country move
Sibisi was referring to South Africa's 2010 opener against Mexico, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the tournament's defining goals. That memory gives today's game a rare symmetry: the same matchup opens another World Cup exactly 16 years later, but this time South Africa is the visitor and Mexico carries the pressure of the host nation.
How This Affects You
For U.S. viewers, the schedule is straightforward. The Mexico game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 11, with U.S. television coverage on FOX. Spanish-language viewers can follow the tournament through Telemundo and Peacock, according to CNN.
The expanded format matters for fans planning the next five and a half weeks. CNN says the tournament has 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North America. That means more games, more staggered kickoff times and a heavier viewing calendar than past World Cups.
Mexico's next group matches are already set: South Korea on June 18 at 9 p.m. ET and Czechia on June 24 at 9 p.m. ET. South Africa next plays Czechia on June 18 at noon ET, then South Korea on June 24 at 9 p.m. ET. For U.S. fans, the first day also includes South Korea vs. Czechia at 10 p.m. ET on FS1.
Coming Up
The opening ceremony is scheduled before kickoff and features Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and J Balvin among the performers listed by CNN. Other headliners named in CNN's live coverage include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
After Mexico vs. South Africa, Group A continues Thursday night with South Korea vs. Czechia in Guadalajara. That match could shape the race behind Mexico if the host team opens with the win bookmakers expect.
At a Glance
- Mexico vs. South Africa kicks off Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. ET.
- The match is at Mexico City Stadium, widely known as Estadio Azteca.
- U.S. TV coverage is on FOX; Spanish-language broadcasts are on Telemundo and Peacock.
- Mexico is ranked 15th by FIFA; South Africa is ranked 60th.
- Mexico is hosting the World Cup for a record third time.
- Storm chances in Mexico City may rise during the match, according to CNN.
FAQ
What time is the Mexico game today?
Mexico plays South Africa on Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. ET in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Where can I watch Mexico vs. South Africa in the US?
In the United States, the match is on FOX. CNN says Spanish-language World Cup coverage is available on Telemundo and Peacock.
Where is Mexico playing South Africa?
The game is at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City. The venue is widely known as Estadio Azteca.
When does Mexico play next in the World Cup?
After South Africa, Mexico plays South Korea on June 18 at 9 p.m. ET, then Czechia on June 24 at 9 p.m. ET.
Why is this Mexico vs. South Africa game historic?
It opens the 2026 World Cup and marks Mexico's record third time hosting the tournament. The same matchup also opened the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.