Mexico vs South Africa LIVE: Confirmed lineups in the 2026 World Cup opening game!

Mexico and South Africa are set to square off in the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup opening match, with confirmed lineups. Follow every minute of the action, critical plays, and key highlights right here with our comprehensive live-blog coverage.

By Santiago Tovar

Updated on June 11, 2026 01:57PM EDT

**© Manuel Velasquez and Luke Hales/Getty Images**Raul Jimenez of Mexico and Lyle Foster of South Africa.

The 2026 World Cup has arrived, and the tournament kicks off with a highly anticipated opening clash between Mexico and South Africa, with confirmed lineups The iconic Estadio Azteca will serve as the roaring backdrop as both nations take the pitch to ignite this historic tournament across North America.

[Watch Mexico vs South Africa live in the USA on Fubo]

Both squads are locked in to launch their campaigns in Group A, a highly competitive quadrant that also features South Korea and Czechia. As anticipation reaches a fever pitch ahead of the opening whistle, all eyes are on Mexico and the potential scenarios for this game.

Follow every minute of the action, critical plays, goals, and the full spectacle of the opening ceremony with our comprehensive live-blog coverage right here at Bolavip US.

02:00PM

South Africa lineup

South Africa's starting XI: Ronwen Williams; Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners

01:55PM

Mexico lineup

Mexico's starting XI: Raul Angel; Cesar Montes, John Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez; Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado

01:50PM

Plenty of people have worked in this opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca

With multiple artists, performers and people in logistics, the Opening Ceremony has plenty of people working on it.

01:45PM

Opening ceremony starts!

The show is just on at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City!

01:40PM

This is how Estadio Azteca looks like from the outside

The fans woke up early to go to Estadio Azteca and watch the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa.

Just hours before the World Cup kicks off, this is what the area around Estadio Azteca looks like ahead of Mexico vs. South Africa 🇲🇽🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/fRXQQnRW1e
— Bolavip US (@bolavipus) June 11, 2026

01:30PM

Mexico vs South Africa's potential scenarios

Mexico and South Africa will play the first game of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca, one of the most important scenarios in Mexico City. With this game, the question that emerges is: What happens if Mexico win, tie or lose vs South Africa today?

01:20PM

Referees confirmed

FIFA confirmed the referees for the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa, with a South American officiating for the first clash of the tournament.

Wilton Sampaio will be the main referee for this game.

01:10PM

Start time and how to watch

Mexico and South Africa will play the 2026 World Cup opener at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT).

Watch the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, Tubi.

01:00PM

Welcome to the 2026 World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa

After years of anticipation, the 2026 World Cup officially kicks off today, with co-hosts Mexico set to open the tournament against South Africa in a highly anticipated clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

You can follow our live, minute-by-minute coverage right here to ensure you don’t miss a single detail, critical play, or goal as the action unfolds.

Santiago Tovar

Santiago Tovar is a bilingual sports journalist who joined Bolavip US in 2024. With over seven years of experience, he has covered a diverse range of sports, including soccer, NFL, NBA, tennis, and Formula 1. Santiago has provided real-time coverage of major events such as the 2021 Women's Copa America, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and the Davis Cup qualifiers. Before joining Bolavip US, he worked at Kienyke.com and Redmas.com.co, where he developed strategies to highlight key sports moments across websites and social media platforms.