How to watch Mexico vs South Africa: Free Streams & TV Channels for FIFA World Cup 2026 opening game

• Mexico vs South Africa Kick-Off time: 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 5am AEST (Fri)
• Watch free on ITV (UK) / Tubi (US) / SBS (AUS) / CazéTV's YouTube (Brazil)
• Unlock your free streams with Norton VPN (60-day money back guarantee)

The waiting is over. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here.

Co-hosts Mexico kick-off the biggest World Cup ever against South Africa at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, which hosted the final of this competition in 1970 and 1986. The festivities get under way at 6.30pm BST (1.30pm ET / 3.30am AEST - Fri) with the first of three opening ceremonies - fellow co-hosts Canada and USA also have their own version before their respective first games - before the on-pitch action takes over.

These two countries are no strangers to the opening game of a World Cup, having contested the curtain-raiser in Johannesburg in 2010. On that occasion, South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala got the party started with a thunderbolt to put the hosts 1-0 up, before Rafael Marquez’s late equaliser snatched a draw for Mexico. Sixteen years on, Marquez is in the dugout as assistant to head coach Javier Aguirre and will be plotting a winning start to the 2026 tournament.

So, read on as we show you exactly how to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free from anywhere in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free

Mexico vs South Africa is available to watch for free in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.

• 🇬🇧 UK: ITV (English commentary)
• 🇦🇺 Australia: SBS On Demand (English commentary)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube (no account required)
• 🇧🇪 Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• 🇨🇦 Canada: CTV
• 🇫🇷 France: M6
• 🇩🇪 Germany: ZDF
• 🇮🇪 Ireland: RTE Player (English commentary)
• 🇮🇹 Italy: Rai
• 🇲🇽 Mexico: TV Azteca
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands: NOS
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand: TVNZ
• 🇿🇦 South Africa: SABC
• 🇪🇸 Spain: RTVE
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• 🇹🇷 Turkey: TRT
• 🇺🇸 US: Tubi

Abroad? Can't access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN — more on that below.

Use a VPN to watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams

It’s the World Cup, and if you’re traveling, you might discover your usual Mexico vs South Africa stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.

Don’t worry, that’s exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were back home.

We recommend Norton VPN. Here's why:

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the US

US viewers can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fox, while the match is also being streamed for free on Tubi.

You can watch every World Cup game on Fox and FS1 which are available on cord-cutters like YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fox One (3-day free trial).

Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your World Cup stream for free thanks to Norton VPN (try for 60 days).

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK

UK customers are in luck as they can stream Mexico vs South Africa for free on ITV. Live coverage is available on ITV1 and ITVX.

You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (e.g. SE1 7PB).

Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you're abroad today.

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Australia

Mexico vs South Africa will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.

The streaming platform has every game of the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.

Traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN like Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa in Canada

In Canada, TSN and free-to-air channel CTV will be broadcasting Mexico vs South Africa.

You can live stream via the TSN+ streaming platform, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.

CTV will require TV provider login details for you to watch for free online.

Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN whilst you're traveling away from home to unlock your stream.

Mexico vs South Africa: Match Information

What time does Mexico vs South Africa start?

Mexico vs South Africa kicks-off at 8pm BST / 3pm ET on Thursday, June 11. That's 5am AEST on Friday, June 12 in Australia.

What are the squads for Mexico vs South Africa?

Mexico

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).

Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (AZ).

Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).

Forwards: Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martinez (UNAM), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Raul Jimenez (Fulham).

South Africa

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).

Can I watch Mexico vs South Africa on my mobile?

Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.

You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key World Cup moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).