The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with an exciting Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament. Here is all the essential viewing information.
Match Details
Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City. The opening ceremony and first match will be held here.
Kick-off Time: The match starts at 8pm BST on Thursday, June 11 (1pm local time in Mexico). It follows the opening ceremony, which begins at approximately 7pm BST.
How to Watch in the UK
TV Channel: ITV1 has exclusive rights to broadcast the match live. Coverage, including the opening ceremony, starts at 6.15pm BST.
Live Stream: Fans can watch in high definition via the official ITVX website. Simply log into your account and go to the live TV section.
Mobile App: Download the ITVX app on mobile phones, tablets, or smart TVs. Log in with an active UK account to access the live broadcast.
How to Watch in the US
TV Channel: Fox Sports will air the game live. It kicks off at 3pm Eastern Time / 12pm Pacific Time. Spanish-language coverage is available on TUDN.
Radio Coverage in the UK
Full live commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live (coverage from 6pm) and talkSPORT (as part of Gameday Live from 7pm).
Team News
Mexico will be without goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz due to late injuries. South Africa are missing wingers Thapelo Morena and Mohau Nkota, while left-back Aubrey Modiba is a doubt with a hamstring issue.
Head-to-Head Record
Mexico and South Africa last met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1. Overall, Mexico have won twice, South Africa once.
