Mexico open the 2026 World Cup in their home country as they face South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament gets underway on Thursday, June 11, with the match kicking off at 8pm UK time (1pm local).
How to Watch Mexico vs South Africa for Free
UK viewers can tune in live on ITV1, free of charge, with pre-match coverage starting at 6.15pm UK time. The match can also be streamed online via ITVX, available on web browsers, smart TVs, and mobile devices. Simply download the ITVX app, register a free account with a UK postcode, and access the live TV section before kick-off.
In the United States, the match airs live on FOX or FS1, with streaming options via the Fox Sports app or the free service Tubi. Radio coverage in the UK is provided by BBC Radio 5 Live, with live commentary available on conventional radio or via the BBC Sounds app.
Team News and Head-to-Head
Mexico's squad, managed by Javier Aguirre, will rely on Raúl Jiménez to lead the attack. South Africa, under Hugo Broos, will look to Burnley striker Lyle Foster. The two nations have met four times previously, with Mexico winning twice, South Africa once, and one draw. Their most memorable encounter was the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended 1-1 after Siphiwe Tshabalala's iconic goal and Rafael Márquez's equaliser.
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