Today's game between Mexico and South Africa kicked off at 3:00 PM on June 11, 2026.
Canadian viewers can stream highlights and a full match replay of Mexico vs South Africa via TSN+. The game was also available free-to-air on CTV, with coverage available on Crave and the RDS app providing additional streaming options for those watching on mobile or connected devices.
Mexico open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium, with the hosts carrying enormous expectation into what is the defining fixture of Group A's opening round.
Javier Aguirre's side arrive in fine shape. A 5-1 demolition of Serbia in their final pre-tournament friendly, after recovering from going a goal down, underlined the belief and depth running through this Mexico squad. Alvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutierrez were among the standouts, and Aguirre now faces the welcome difficulty of choosing between players who have all pressed their case for a starting role.
El Tri extended their unbeaten run on home soil to 22 matches with that result, a statistic that speaks to the fortress Mexico has built under Aguirre ahead of a tournament they are hosting for the first time since 1986.
South Africa head into the match as the underdogs, but Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana are not without recent momentum. A 1-0 win over Jamaica in their last outing, just days before this opener, showed a team capable of grinding out results when the pressure is on.
The sides last met on this exact stage — the World Cup — back in 2010, when a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg set the tone for what became a memorable tournament. That shared history adds a layer of familiarity to this Group A encounter, even if the balance of power has shifted considerably since.
For the TV channel, live stream options, and full kick-off time details, everything you need is listed below.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa with VPN
If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world, you may run into geo-restrictions. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy.
A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. A step-by-step guide is described later in this article, or you can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.
Confirmed Team News & Squads
Mexico vs South Africa lineups
Starting XI
Substitutes
Manager
- J. Aguirre
- H. Broos
Raúl Jiménez starts up front for Mexico days after his transfer back to Wolverhampton Wanderers from Fulham. Guillermo Ochoa has been taken to a sixth World Cup with Mexico, but is on the bench today, with Raúl Rangel starting in goal.
Aubrey Modiba starts for South Africa, returning from injury in time to play in the opening game.
Mexico confirmed starting XI: Raúl Rangel; Israel Reyes, César Montes (captain), Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutiérrez; Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones. Coach: Javier Aguirre.
South Africa confirmed starting XI: Ronwen Williams (captain); Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Shitole, Jayden Adams; Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster. Coach: Hugo Broos.
Form
Mexico arrive at the World Cup on the back of three consecutive wins, drawing their previous two outings before that run began. Aguirre's side beat Serbia 5-1 in their most recent match, having also claimed victories over Australia (1-0) and Ghana (2-0) in earlier friendlies. Prior to those wins, Mexico drew 1-1 with Belgium and held Portugal to a goalless draw. Across those five matches, El Tri scored nine goals and conceded two.
South Africa's recent record is more mixed. Bafana Bafana claimed a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their last outing before the tournament, but drew 0-0 with Nicaragua and suffered back-to-back defeats to Panama (2-1) and Cameroon (2-1) in earlier fixtures. South Africa scored three goals and conceded five across their last five matches, with only one win from four games prior to the Jamaica result.
Weather
As the FIFA World Cup gets underway at Estadio Azteca today, weather forecasters are warning that there is a risk of a thunderstorm that could hit Mexico City around first-half kick-off time. While play can continue during rain, lightning in the area could force a temporary suspension until the storm passes.
Temperatures are expected to be roughly 22°C (71°F) during the match, with light winds set to come in from the north-east. The humidity at kick-off will be 59%, though the heat will diminish as the game goes on.
Head-to-Head Record
The most recent meeting between these two sides came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11 of that year, when South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in Johannesburg. The only other recorded fixture between them was a CONCACAF Gold Cup match in July 2005, which South Africa won 2-1. Across the two known meetings, each side has one win, with Mexico holding the advantage on goals scored.
Confirmed kits
Hosts Mexico will kick off the World Cup wearing their classic green shirts with white and red shorts.
South Africa will be wearing their bright yellow home kits with green details.
Step-by-step VPN guide to watch Mexico vs South Africa today
NordVPN- Download & Install: Sign up to ExpressVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL's guide here) and download the app on your device.
- Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).
- Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.
- Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster's website and app and enjoy the game.
How to watch on the Big Screen
Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belongs on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:
- Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.
- Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don't support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.