Mexico City, Jun 11: The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Friday with co-host Mexico facing South Africa in Group A at Mexico City Stadium in the first match of the 104-game tournament.

By a twist of fate, the clash is a reverse repeat of the opening game of the 2010 tournament, when Bafana Bafana were the host nation.

South Africa secured their place at a fourth global showpiece by finishing top of Group C in CAF qualifying.

How to watch Mexico v South Africa live in India?
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

You Can Watch It For Free
If you don't have access to the Zee channels or Zee5, Doordarshan Sports will have you covered. DD Sports will be telecasting the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, which will be telecast in India at 12:30 am on June 12.

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Key details
Date and kick-off time: Friday, June 12 12:30 AM (IST).

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)

VAR: Nicolas Gallo (Colombia)

Squads:

Mexico

Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Rangel.

Defenders: Edson Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Jorge Sanchez, Mateo Chavez.

Midfielders: Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Orbelin Pineda.

Forwards: Alexis Vega, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Guillermo Martinez, Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez.

South Africa
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Ronwen Williams.

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Khulumani Ndamane, Thabang Matuludi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Olwethy Makhanya.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams.

Forwards: Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Tshepang Moremi.

(IANS)