Source ESPN
The wait is officially over. Today marks the dawn of a new era in football as the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway. Co-host Mexico welcomes South Africa to the historic Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) for the opening match of the first-ever 48-team tournament.
With 104 matches scheduled over the next 39 days across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, all eyes will focus on the electric atmosphere in Mexico City as these two familiar opening-day foes cross paths once more.
Match Schedule & Kick-off Times
The opening match takes place today, Thursday, June 11, 2026. Depending on where you are tuning in from across India, the match will technically cross into the early hours of Friday morning.
RegionKick-off DateKick-off Time
Local Venue (Mexico City)Thursday, June 11, 20261:00 PM
United States (Eastern Time)Thursday, June 11, 20263:00 PM ET
India Standard Time (IST)Friday, June 12, 202612:30 AM IST
How to Watch
Broadcast options span across multiple platforms depending on your region:
In India: Fans can watch the live television broadcast on United Sports 1 and United Sports 2 (including HD feeds). Live streaming will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.
In the United States: Live coverage begins early on Fox and Fox One.
In the United Kingdom / Global: The match is streaming for free via ITVX (geo-restrictions apply).
Team News & Key Statistics
The Narrative Context
This encounter serves as a poetic sequel to the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener in Johannesburg, where South Africa and Mexico battled to a memorable 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, Mexico carries the massive weight of home-soil expectations, entering as favorites backed by a ferocious crowd. El Tri looks sharp following a dominant 5-1 friendly victory over Serbia just last week.
Expected Formations & Lineups
Mexico (4-1-4-1):
Goalkeeper: Raúl Rangel
Defenders: Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo
Midfielders: Érik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez
Team Detail: El Tri’s defensive spine looks formidable with Montes and Vásquez, while veteran striker Raúl Jiménez—who found the net against Serbia—is poised to spearhead the frontline.
South Africa (5-3-2):
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole, Jayden Adams
Forwards: Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners
Team Detail: Head coach Hugo Broos is opting for a heavily reinforced defensive five-man block to counter Mexico’s high press, relying on the explosive pace of Lyle Foster on the counter-attack to stun the hosts.
