Mexico vs South Africa: The 2026 World Cup Opening Match — June 11 at Estadio Azteca

In 12 days, the world will hold its breath as the referee's whistle blows at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — and the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins. The opening match pits co-host Mexico against South Africa in Group A on June 11 at 3pm ET, a fixture that echoes the 2010 World Cup opener between the same two nations in Johannesburg.

A Historic Venue for a Historic Moment

There is no more fitting stage for a World Cup opener than the Estadio Azteca. The most legendary stadium in football history, home to the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century, is now hosting its third World Cup — making Mexico the first nation ever to host the men's tournament three times. When Mexico walks onto that pitch on June 11, it will be one of the most emotionally charged moments in football history.

Mexico's Group A Campaign

Mexico are in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. Their full schedule: June 11 vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca (3pm ET, FOX); June 18 vs South Korea at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (9pm ET, FOX); June 24 vs Czechia at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (9pm ET, FOX). Playing two of their three group games at the Azteca gives El Tri a significant home advantage — the partisan Mexican crowd will be the loudest in any stadium during the group stage.

South Africa's Return

South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they made history as the first African nation to host the tournament. Ranked 61st in the world, they are the underdogs in Group A — but South Africa have shown in African qualifying that they can be organised, physical, and dangerous on the counter. A repeat of their 1-1 draw against Mexico in 2010 would be a tremendous opening result.

Opening Match: Free to Stream on Tubi

FOX Sports has confirmed that the opening match — Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 at 3pm ET — will stream for free on Tubi, making it accessible to the widest possible US audience without a subscription. The match will also broadcast on FOX nationally. For the first time, America's biggest sporting event of the year will be fully free-to-air for the opening fixture.