The 2026 World Cup kicks off in 48 hours. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa, Thursday June 12 (Taiwan time), Wednesday June 11 at 7pm GMT, in Mexico City’s Banorte Stadium — the renovated Azteca. It’s a fixture with history: the 2010 World Cup opened with exactly this same match in Johannesburg. South Africa 1-1 Mexico. Sixteen years later, different continent, same opponents.
For England fans, this is the match that starts the clock. England’s Group L opener against Croatia follows on June 15. But before that, the world watches Mexico.
Mexico: host nation, home crowd, Santiago Giménez
Mexico is one of three host nations and arrives in peak tournament atmosphere. The Banorte Stadium — formerly the Azteca, recently renovated and renamed — holds over 87,000 supporters who will make noise from the first minute.
Santiago Giménez is Mexico’s standout striker. His goalscoring record at Feyenoord (and subsequently Liverpool) put him among the most efficient No.9s in European football. Mexico beat Serbia 5-1 in a pre-tournament friendly, demonstrating the firepower available to their manager.
In midfield, Edson Álvarez (West Ham) provides the defensive screen and distribution. On the wing, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano brings directness and pace that South Africa’s defence will find difficult to contain. Mexico on home soil is a formidable proposition.
South Africa: Bafana Bafana and the memory of 2010
South Africa — “Bafana Bafana” — qualified through a competitive African region and enter as significant underdogs. They have less squad depth and less individual quality than Mexico, but they carry something intangible: history.
In 2010, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderbolt opening the World Cup in Johannesburg is one of the most celebrated goals in tournament history. South Africa drew 1-1 that day. The emotional resonance of that moment — and the desire to recreate it — is not nothing.
Ronwen Williams in goal is one of the continent’s best shot-stoppers. Percy Tau and Lyle Foster up front offer a counterattacking threat if South Africa can stay compact. Their plan will be familiar: defend deep, stay organised, exploit set pieces.
What to watch
If South Africa can reach half-time level, this match becomes genuinely interesting. Mexico’s crowd will become nervous, and momentum can shift. If Giménez opens the scoring early, it’s likely to become routine from there.
The subplot worth monitoring: Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 earlier this week, with Messi scoring from the spot after coming on at 70 minutes. The defending champions look ready. England fans would do well to pay attention — the path through the knockout rounds could yet bring Tuchel’s side face-to-face with Scaloni’s Argentina.
How to watch in the UK
- BBC One: free-to-air broadcast, available on iPlayer
- ITV: co-broadcaster with rights to selected matches
- BBC/ITV Sport apps: mobile and tablet streaming
- Kick-off: Wednesday June 11, 7:00pm GMT
FAQ
When is Mexico vs South Africa at the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off on Wednesday June 11 at 7:00pm GMT (2:00pm ET, 9:00pm Spain time) at the Banorte Stadium in Mexico City.
Who is the favourite in Mexico vs South Africa?
Mexico are clear favourites as the home side, with Santiago Giménez in fine form and a 5-1 win over Serbia in pre-tournament preparation. South Africa are the underdogs but carry the spirit of their 2010 opening draw with Mexico.
Have Mexico and South Africa played in a World Cup before?
Yes. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa opened with exactly this fixture — a 1-1 draw, with Siphiwe Tshabalala’s memorable opening goal one of the tournament’s most iconic moments.
How can I watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK?
The match is available free on BBC One and via BBC iPlayer. ITV also holds rights to selected World Cup 2026 matches.
When does England play at the 2026 World Cup?
England open their Group L campaign on June 15 against Croatia. They then face Ghana and Panama to complete the group stage.
🏆 AI Analysis – World Cup 2026
Mysports AI uses advanced data models to deliver the best odds, dark horse analysis and betting tips.
Get predictions