FIFA WC: When and where to watch Mexico vs South Africa in India, know all details
Mexico City, June 11
The FIFA World Cup 2026 gets under way on Friday as co-hosts Mexico will raise the curtain on the biggest-ever World Cup when the first match of the 104-game extravaganza kicks off with their Group A meeting against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium.
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. 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.
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
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up watching football at ungodly hours, this is our reality 😅 But hey, at least we have Unite8 Sports channels now - finally some dedicated sports broadcasters for FIFA. Would be nice if the article mentioned whether there's a free stream option for students like me though.
Raul Jimenez still going strong! That guy is a legend from his Wolves days. South Africa have Lyle Foster up front, he's been doing well in Europe. Should be an entertaining opener. India really needs to step up its football game though - hosting a World Cup in 2026 and we're still watching from home. Yaar, kya hoga hamara football ka future? 🇮🇳⚽
Nice to see the article mentions the VAR referee too. After the 2022 WC controversies, we're all watching for those offside calls! 😂 Also interesting that they're using the same stadium (Azteca) as 1970 and 1986 - proper historic venue. Hope the Mexican crowd brings good energy even at 12:30 AM IST!
Honestly, the subscription cost is getting out of hand. First they move everything behind paywalls, then the streaming quality is mediocre. For a country that loves football as much as we do, the authorities should consider free-to-air broadcasts of at least the India games (if we qualify) and opening matches. 😒
As an American living in Bangalore, I'm thrilled the World Cup is finally coming to North America! The time difference works better for us here in India than it does
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