The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today with Group A matches as Mexico takes on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament opener is scheduled for 8pm UK time on Thursday, June 11, which translates to 1pm local time in Mexico and 3pm ET or 12pm PT in the United States.
Mexico vs South Africa: Match Details
Live television coverage in the UK will be on ITV1, with the programme starting at 6.15pm, offering 105 minutes of build-up, analysis, and opening ceremony coverage. Viewers can stream the match live via the ITVX website or app. Alternatively, the tournament is available on DAZN for free in selected regions. American audiences can watch on FOX or FOX One, with Spanish-language coverage on TUDN. Radio commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and via BBC Sounds.
Striker Raul Jimenez is fit and expected to lead the line for Mexico, though questions remain over the goalkeeper position between Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Rangel. For South Africa, Burnley forward Lyle Foster is fully fit, and Teboho Mokoena is expected to start in midfield. Historically, Mexico holds a slight edge over South Africa with two wins to one in their four previous meetings, including a 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup opener.
South Korea vs Czech Republic: Match Details
The other Group A fixture sees South Korea face the Czech Republic at the Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico. Kick-off is at 3am UK time on Friday, June 12 (8pm local time in Mexico on Thursday, 10pm ET, 7pm PT in the US). Live coverage in the UK will be on ITV from 2.30am, with streaming via ITVX. In the US, the match will air on FS1 at 10pm ET, with streaming on the Fox Sports app. BBC Radio 5 Live will provide audio commentary from 2.55am.
South Korea will be led by captain Son Heung-Min, with Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu in fine form. The Czech Republic squad reports no last-minute injuries, with Tomas Soucek anchoring the midfield. The two nations have met three times previously, with one win each and a draw.
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