Mexico will launch its FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday when it welcome South Africa to Mexico City in the tournament's opening match. Backed by home support and a strong run of recent results, El Tri enter the contest as clear favorites in the Group A showdown. The day's second Group A fixture will see South Korea take on the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, as all four teams begin their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.Mexico arrive at the World Cup in impressive form, having gone unbeaten throughout 2026. Their eight-match friendly schedule produced six victories and two draws, with notable wins against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia highlighting the team's momentum ahead of the tournament. South Africa, meanwhile, have experienced a more challenging run. The African side have failed to win any of their last five matches, recording three draws and two defeats. Among those setbacks was their elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Cameroon.The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams. The expanded format includes 104 matches played across 16 venues over 39 days, making it the largest World Cup in history.Under the new structure, the top two teams from each group will progress automatically to the Round of 32. They will be joined by the eight best third-placed finishers from across the 12 groups.With strong recent form and home-field advantage on their side, Mexico will be looking to make a winning start as the World Cup gets underway.HOW TO WATCH MEXICO VS SOUTH AFRICA GAME LIVE IN USEvent: FIFA World Cup 2026Game: Mexico vs South AfricaDate: June 11Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico CityTime: 3 PM ETChannels: FOX, FS1, Telemundo, UniversoStreaming: Fox One, Peacock, DirecTV, FuboHOW TO WATCH MEXICO VS SOUTH AFRICA GAME LIVE IN CANADAEvent: FIFA World Cup 2026Game: Mexico vs South AfricaDate: June 11Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico CityTime: 3 PM ETChannels/Streaming: TSN, CTV and RDSSQUADSMexico SquadGoalkeepers: 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 SquadGoalkeepers: 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.