The wait is over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here.
Co-hosts Mexico kick off the biggest World Cup ever against South Africa at Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca, which hosted the competition’s final in 1970 and 1986. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 a.m. AEST – Friday) with the first of three opening ceremonies – fellow co-hosts Canada and USA, also have their own version before their respective first matches – before the action on the field takes over.
These two countries are no strangers to the opening match of a World Cup, having played in the curtain-raiser in Johannesburg in 2010. On that occasion, South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the celebrations with a thunderbolt to put the hosts 1-0 ahead, before Rafael Marquez’s late equalizer snatched a draw for Mexico. Sixteen years later, Marquez is in the dugout as an assistant to head coach Javier Aguirre and will prepare a winning start to the 2026 tournament.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free from anywhere during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free
Mexico vs. South Africa is available for free in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Having trouble accessing your free stream? Unlock your free World Cup stream with NortonVPN – more on this below.
Use a VPN to watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you travel, you might discover your Mexico vs. South Africa The feed is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help you. A Virtual Private Network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
We recommend NortonVPN. Here’s why:
How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa in the United States
American viewers can watch Mexico vs. South Africa on Foxwhile the match is also broadcast for free on Tubi.
You can watch every World Cup game on Fox and FS1, available on cord cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (certain markets), Fubo Or DirectTV.
Those looking for a streaming service can instead watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fox One (3-day free trial).
Visiting the USA from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup streaming for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK
UK customers are lucky because they can stream Mexico vs. South Africa for free on ITV. Live coverage is available on ITV1 And ITVX.
You need a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
NortonVPN can unblock your stream if you’re abroad today.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Australia
Mexico vs. South Africa will be broadcast for free in Australia on SBS on demand.
The streaming platform offers every match of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place to watch the World Cup.
Are you traveling for work or on vacation? A VPN like NortonVPN can help you unlock your free stream.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel Connected TV will broadcast Mexico vs. South Africa.
You can stream live via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.
CTV will need the TV provider’s login information for you to watch online for free.
Outside of Canada? To use NortonVPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
Mexico vs South Africa: Match Information
What time does Mexico vs South Africa start?
Mexico vs. South Africa kick-off at 8pm BST / 3pm ET on Thursday June 11. This is 5am AEST on Friday June 12 in Australia.
Who are the teams for Mexico against South Africa?
Mexico
Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (AZ).
Midfield: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).
Advantages: Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martinez (UNAM), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Raul Jimenez (Fulham).
South Africa
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
Midfield: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).
Advantages: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
|
Position |
Team |
DG |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Mexico |
0 |
0 |
|
2 |
South Africa |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
South Korea |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
Czechia |
0 |
0 |
Can I watch Mexico vs South Africa on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the key moments from the World Cup on the official social channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
