Mexico vs South Africa Kicks Off Expanded 48-Team World Cup 2026 in Mexico City

Opening match

The 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday, June 11, with a Group A clash between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. Kick-off is at 21:00 local time (CEST) at the Estadio Azteca (also known as Estadio Banorte) in Mexico City. The opening ceremony will precede the match, with pre-game studio coverage on TVP Sport starting at 18:30 and on TVP 1 at 20:25.

Broadcast and streaming

In Poland, the match will be televised live on TVP 1 and TVP Sport. Free online streams are available on sport.tvp.pl and the TVP Sport app. Betclic TV will also offer free access to registered users who make a deposit or place a bet. Subscribers can watch on Pilot WP. TVP is set to broadcast 104 matches from the tournament across its channels.

Historical context

The fixture is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1. That remains the only previous World Cup meeting between the sides. The highest-scoring opening game in tournament history came in 2018, when Russia beat Saudi Arabia 5-0.

Group A and the expanded format

This edition features a record 48 teams, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Group A also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic, who meet in the early hours of June 12 (04:00 Polish time). Mexico enters as group favourites, boosted by home support and a technically skilled squad.

Odds and expectations

Bookmakers have priced Mexico at 1.47 to win, with a draw at 4.25 and a South African victory at 7.50. The hosts are expected to dominate possession and chase a winning start, while South Africa will aim to frustrate and capitalise on counter-attacks.