Mexico vs. South Africa preview: Team news, date, and how to watch World Cup match

Tonight, the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in a carbon copy match of the 2010 tournament opener.

That game was played in Johannesburg, of course, as the South Africans welcomed the world for one of the most memorable World Cups in recent memory.

Now, 16 years later, the roles are reversed as the Mexicans — as part of the North American triumvirate — become the first side to host three World Cups. In the 2010 opener, the teams battled to a 1-1 draw, and the visitors would likely be thrilled with a repeat of that result as they enter the month of June ranked 60th in the world.

Meanwhile, El Tri are 14th in the same rankings and are coming off three straight victories in the lead-up to this competition.

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DAZN News has all the information ahead of Mexico vs. South Africa. 

Mexico vs. South Africa kick-off, date, venue 

Mexico vs. South Africa is at 1pm local time on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico City. 

UK viewers can watch the match at 8pm BST. Fans watching in the US and Canada can catch the game at 3pm ET and 12pm PT.

• Date: Thursday, June 11 
• Kick-off: 8pm BST / 3pm EDT / 12pm PDT 

The fixture will take place at Estadio Azteca.

Mexico vs. South Africa: How to watch

• UK: ITV
• US: FOX / FOX One
• Canada: TSN / CTV / Crave

Mexico vs. South Africa team news 

Mexico 

Raul Rangel appears to have won the starting goalkeeper's job, while Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the line-up front for the hosts.

Previous XI: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones (vs. Serbia, June 10)

South Africa

Lyle Foster will receive a lot of attention as South Africa's most dangerous attacker.

Previous XI: Goss, Matuludi, Okon, Makhanya, Kabini, Sithole, Mbatha, Sebelebele, Zwane, Moremi, Foster (vs. Nicaragua, May 29)

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