Need to know
- Kick-off time: The tournament opener is scheduled for Thursday, June 11. The match will begin at exactly 8pm UK time, which translates to a 1pm local kick-off time for those watching from the host city.
- Location: The match will be played at the historic Estadio Azteca, also known as the Mexico City Stadium, located in the capital. The iconic venue will host five matches in total.
- UK TV channel: British viewers can watch the live opening game on ITV1 for free. The network’s pre-match coverage and build-up program starts at 6:15pm UK time, ensuring fans can catch the entire opening ceremony.
- Live stream information: You can watch the action online or on mobile devices via the free streaming platform ITVX, accessible via web browsers and dedicated smart TV and mobile apps. To watch on the app, simply download ITVX onto your chosen device, register a free account using a UK postcode, and navigate to the live TV section before the match begins.
- How to watch in the US: Football fans based in the United States can view the live broadcast on FOX or FS1. For those who prefer online streaming, the match will be available through the Fox Sports app and the free streaming service Tubi.
- UK radio coverage: Live radio commentary of the opening fixture will be broadcast across the United Kingdom on BBC Radio 5 Live. Listeners can tune in via traditional radio frequencies or stream the audio online and on demand using the BBC Sounds app.
- Team news: Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squad will lean heavily on veteran forward Raúl Jiménez to lead their attacking line. For South Africa, coach Hugo Broos will depend on Burnley striker Lyle Foster to spearhead the attack, while Olwethu Makhanya provides defensive support.
- Head-to-head record: These two nations have met four times in past international fixtures, with Mexico winning twice, South Africa once, and one draw. Their most famous encounter happened 16 years ago in the 2010 World Cup opening match, where Siphiwe Tshabalala scored an iconic opener before Rafael Márquez equalised to secure a 1-1 draw.
- READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS HERE: Politics, tickets and heat – the controversies that threaten to overshadow the 2026 World Cup
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