Thursday, June 11, 2026
Kickoff 13:00 local at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Mexico vs South Africa - Thursday, June 11, 2026 - World Cup 2026 Match 1
Thu, Jun 11
Date
13:00 local
Kickoff
Group Stage
Round
A
Group
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Match-day essentials - Estadio Azteca
Gates open
Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff for FIFA World Cup matches. Confirm exact times on the FIFA app once your tickets appear.
Bag policy
Small bags only - max ~30×20×10 cm. No backpacks. FIFA-specific policy TBA.
Tickets
Mobile-only via the FIFA app. Save your ticket offline before leaving for the stadium and bring government photo ID matching your FIFA ID account.
Cash or card
Cards accepted at most concessions; some smaller vendors take cash (Mexican pesos only). Bring 500-1000 pesos for small purchases.
Best way to get there
Tren Ligero (recommended)
Light rail from Tasqueña (Metro Line 2) to Estadio Azteca station - 15 min, MX$3 (~$0.20).
When to arrive
Arrive 90-120 min early. The Opening Match (June 11, Mexico vs South Africa) will be one of the most security-intensive matches of the entire tournament - allow extra time.
Venue
Mexico City - 87,500 capacity - Open roof
Estadio Azteca is the most legendary stadium in World Cup history. It hosted the 1970 Final (Brazil 4–1 Italy) and the 1986 Final (Argentina 3–2 West Germany), and was the stage for both Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal and his breathtaking 'Goal of the Century' against England in 1986. In 2026 it becomes the first stadium ever to host matches at three separate World Cups, and hosts the Opening Match on June 11.
Address
Calzada de Tlalpan 3465, Santa Úrsula Coapa, Coyoacán, 04650 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
About This Match
Mexico face South Africa in the Group Stage of Group A on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Mexico are ranked #16 in the world and managed by Javier Aguirre; South Africa sit at #60 under Hugo Broos. The match kicks off at 13:00 local time at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Mexico
Mexico enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a proud co-host, carrying the weight of a nation desperate to break the infamous 'quinto partido' curse - failing to advance past the round of 16 in seven straight tournaments. Coached by the experienced Javier Aguirre, El Tri boast a talented attack led by Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez and veteran wide man Hirving Lozano. Playing in home-country stadiums including the iconic Estadio Azteca, Mexico have a massive home-crowd advantage in Group A alongside South Korea, South Africa, and Czech Republic. A quarterfinal run would match their best-ever results from 1970 and 1986, both also on home soil.
Read Mexico preview →South Africa
South Africa, famously the only host nation to be eliminated in the group stage at World Cup 2010, return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Bafana Bafana, coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, are an improving side anchored by ageless PSG and Al-Ahly winger Percy Tau. Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and Czech Republic presents a tough but not impossible draw - advancing from the group would match their best tournament finishes. A passionate footballing nation of 60 million, South Africa will be one of the tournament's most popular support acts.
Read South Africa preview →Recent Form
Last results for Mexico and South Africa in pre-tournament friendlies. Updated through the FIFA window.
Mexico
WW- Jun 4vs Serbia5-1
- May 30vs Australia1-0
South Africa
D- May 29vs Nicaragua0-0
Prediction Market Odds
Live implied probabilities from Kalshi prediction markets. Mexico are the market favourite to win Group A.
Mexico
Champion outright: 1.3%
South Africa
Where to Watch Mexico vs South Africa
FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters by region. All host-country networks carry every match. Streaming apps are typically gated by region or by a paid subscription.
United States
FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
FOX Sports app, Peacock
Canada
TSN, CTV, ICI Tou.tv (French)
TSN+, Crave
Mexico
TUDN, Canal 5, TV Azteca
ViX, TUDN app
United Kingdom
BBC One, ITV1
BBC iPlayer, ITVX
Australia
Optus Sport
Optus Sport app
Verify the exact channel on your provider's guide. Channels can shift between siblings (e.g. FOX → FS1) match by match.
Other Group A Matches
More at Estadio Azteca
Mexico vs South Africa - FAQ
When is Mexico vs South Africa in the 2026 World Cup?+
Mexico vs South Africa is on Thursday, June 11, 2026 with kickoff at 13:00 local time at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Where is Mexico vs South Africa being played?+
The match is at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Capacity 87,500, Open roof.
What round is Mexico vs South Africa?+
It's a Group Stage (Group A) match - match number 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How do I get to Estadio Azteca for Mexico vs South Africa?+
Tren Ligero (recommended): Light rail from Tasqueña (Metro Line 2) to Estadio Azteca station - 15 min, MX$3 (~$0.20).
What time should I arrive at Estadio Azteca?+
Arrive 90-120 min early. The Opening Match (June 11, Mexico vs South Africa) will be one of the most security-intensive matches of the entire tournament - allow extra time.
What is Mexico's FIFA ranking heading into the World Cup?+
Mexico is ranked #16 in the FIFA World Rankings, managed by Javier Aguirre. Their best World Cup result is Quarterfinal.
What is South Africa's FIFA ranking heading into the World Cup?+
South Africa is ranked #60 in the FIFA World Rankings, managed by Hugo Broos. Their best World Cup result is Group Stage.