Mexico will launch its FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday when it welcome South Africa to Mexico City in the tournament's opening match. Backed by home support and a strong run of recent results, El Tri enter the contest as clear favorites in the Group A showdown. The day's second Group A fixture will see South Korea take on the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, as all four teams begin their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.

Mexico arrive at the World Cup in impressive form, having gone unbeaten throughout 2026. Their eight-match friendly schedule produced six victories and two draws, with notable wins against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia highlighting the team's momentum ahead of the tournament. South Africa, meanwhile, have experienced a more challenging run. The African side have failed to win any of their last five matches, recording three draws and two defeats. Among those setbacks was their elimination in the R ..

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams. The expanded format includes 104 matches played across 16 venues over 39 days, making it the largest World Cup in history.

Under the new structure, the top two teams from each group will progress automatically to the Round of 32. They will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers from across the 12 groups.

With strong recent form and home-field advantage on their side, Mexico will be looking to make a winning start as the World Cup gets underway.

HOW TO WATCH MEXICO VS SOUTH AFRICA GAME LIVE IN US

• Event: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Game: Mexico vs South Africa
• Date: June 11
• Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
• Time: 3 PM ET
• Channels: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo
• Streaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo

HOW TO WATCH MEXICO VS SOUTH AFRICA GAME LIVE IN CANADA

• Event: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Game: Mexico vs South Africa
• Date: June 11
• Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
• Time: 3 PM ET
• Channels/Streaming: TSN, CTV and RDS

SQUADS

Mexico Squad

Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Rangel.

Defenders: Edson Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez.

Midfielders: Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Orbelin Pineda.

Forwards: Alexis Vega, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Guillermo Martine ..