Mexico vs South Africa — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Mexico vs South Africa kicks off in GROUP A of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Mexico and South Africa meet in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a clash that pits CONCACAF's powerhouse against Africa's rising force. Mexico, under manager Jaime Lozano, rely on a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Their high-pressing style and quick transitions, led by Edson Álvarez in midfield and Hirving Lozano on the wing, aim to unsettle opponents. However, defensive lapses have been a concern, as seen in recent qualifiers. South Africa, coached by Hugo Broos, have impressed with disciplined organization and counter-attacking speed. Key forward Percy Tau provides creativity, while the midfield trio of Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, and captain Ronwen Williams in goal offers stability. The Bafana Bafana have grown in confidence, reaching the AFCON semifinals in 2023. For Mexico, a win is crucial to set the tone, while South Africa will aim to exploit any defensive gaps. Set pieces could prove decisive, with Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa's experience vs South Africa's aerial threat. Expect a tight contest where tactical discipline and individual brilliance may tip the balance.

Key players to watch

Mexico

Edson Álvarez (West Ham) — The midfield anchor disrupts play and initiates attacks. His leadership is vital.
Hirving Lozano (PSV) — Pacy winger who cuts inside to shoot or create. A constant threat on the counter.
Guillermo Ochoa (Salernitana) — Veteran goalkeeper with World Cup heroics. His shot-stopping could be decisive.

South Africa

Percy Tau (Al Ahly) — Creative forward with dribbling skills and an eye for goal. Key to unlocking defenses.
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) — Box-to-box midfielder with energy and a powerful shot. Controls the tempo.
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) — Captain and goalkeeper, excellent at organizing the defense and making crucial saves.

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Mexico vs South Africa?

Thu, Jun 11 at 07:00 PM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP A of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Mexico vs South Africa?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.