On Thursday, the FIFA World Cup arrives on Mexican soil for the third time ever. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off with the opening ceremony and the group stage opener on Thursday at Mexico City Stadium, featuring co-hosts Mexico against South Africa.
Follow live updates on the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup opening match
When the two sides step into the famous Estadio Azteca, it’ll be an opportunity for a new chapter in the long story of the World Cup. Some of the sport’s biggest stars experienced their most memorable moments in Mexico. Pele lifted the World Cup trophy in Mexico City, and Maradona evoked the “Hand of God” before cementing his own glory in 1986. Now there will be a chance to rewrite history while creating new lore.
Follow live updates on the 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
It’ll be the second time the two sides meet in the opening of the World Cup, after facing off during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. El Tri head coach Javier Aguirre and South African manager Hugo Broos will lead the first two teams to square off in the new 48-team format of the competition, as the long journey to the final on July 19 begins. This time, Mexico will have an even bigger chip on their shoulders as tournament hosts.
South Africa will also be motivated, as Broos has already declared his departure after the tournament. The 2026 tournament will be his swan song and mark his final tournament in Mexico, the place where he played his last World Cup as a player 40 years ago. This is South Africa’s fourth appearance in the World Cup (1998, 2002, 2010), but they never advanced beyond the group stage.
The energy is high in Mexico and around El Tri camps. The group is in good form heading into matchday one and has a roster with a good mix of veterans, prime players, and young, upcoming talent. In the attack, Raul Jimenez has experience and leadership as the front-line focal point, while Julian Quinones is coming off a solid season in Saudi Arabia. They’ll be crucial guidance for younger players Brian Gutierrez and Gilberto Mora if they want to win the group and will face the natural pressure that comes with being the hosts.
Here’s how to watch the opening match:
How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa
Date: Thursday, June 11 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Mexico City Stadium — Mexico City, Mexico
TV: FOX | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: Mexico -240; Draw +360; South Africa +800
Mexico vs. South Africa predicted starting lineups
Mexico: Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Julian Quinones; Raul Jimenez
South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi; Lyle Foster
Mexico vs. South Africa pick, prediction
It’s often stated that the first game of the World Cup can be the most difficult. If El Tri want to have a good, maybe even historic tournament, they need to set the tone. A draw as the host nation in the most iconic World Cup stadium won’t cut it. Pick: Mexico 2, South Africa 1
Want to see who our experts picked to win it all? Check it out here!
Golazo 48 Nations: Follow the World Cup all summer long
Golazo 48 Nations is your all-access destination for the World Cup, with wall-to-wall coverage across the CBS Sports Golazo Network. From the first whistle to the final recap, the entire Golazo crew will guide fans through every moment of the tournament.
Each day begins with Morning Footy, setting the stage with the just in news, storylines, and previews ahead of kickoff. From there, Golazo Matchday and Golazo Matchnight deliver real-time reaction and analysis as the action unfolds. Fans can also tune in for live watchalongs of USMNT matches with the Call It What You Want team, as well as watchalongs for other marquee matchups. The day wraps with Scoreline, a comprehensive nightly recap of every result, moment, and storyline from across the tournament. Altogether, the Golazo Network will deliver up to 12 hours of live programming each matchday, available across the Golazo Network and its YouTube channel.
