What time is Mexico v South Africa plus full talkSPORT coverage for World Cup opener

Jun 10, 2026 - 18:30

The 2026 World Cup gets going on Thursday with a repeat of the 2010 opener as Mexico take on South Africa, live on talkSPORT.

Mexico, the USA and Canada are the host nations for this edition of FIFA‘s showpiece, and the Mexicans kick things off.

Aerial view of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — Things get underway at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca

Every single World Cup match will be live across the talkSPORT network as well as Argentina defend the crown they picked up in Qatar.

But the Argentines aren’t the favourites with several top teams in contention.

France, Euro 2024 winners Spain, England and Portugal are all considered as having a good chance of going all the way.

Then you have multiple winners Germany and Brazil, who can never be counted out.

Japan, Morocco, Senegal and Norway are also tipped as ones to watch in the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams competing for glory.

The tournament comes to an end on July 19, and the five weeks of action will dominate the sporting world, starting with this contest between Mexico and South Africa.

Mexico vs South Africa: Date and how to follow

The 2026 World Cup opener is set to take place on Thursday, June 11.

Kick-off at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is scheduled for 8pm UK time.

talkSPORT will have live coverage from Mexico, with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter. Commentary will then come from Nigel Adderley and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

talkSPORT.com will also have the game covered via our dedicated live blog.

Raul Jimenez celebrates goal for Mexico against Serbia — Mexico will be backed by a huge crowd hoping to see their nation make the perfect start to the World Cup

The match will be shown free-to-air on ITV1 and also streamed on ITVX.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Mexico vs South Africa: Team news

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is hoping to become the first player in history to play at six World Cups.

He has a very good chance of starting in goal as well.

Former West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez is in line to start at centre-back with Wolves-bound Raul Jimenez leading the line.

South Africa have an injury doubt over left-back Aubery Modiba. And it is likely that Burnley’s Lyle Foster starts up front.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in action — Ochoa is known for his stirring World Cup performances

Mexico squad

Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Raul Rangel (Chivas).

Defenders: Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar).

Midfielders: Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Orbelin Pineda (AEK).

Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Armando Gonzalez (Chivas), Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Julian Quinones (Al Qadisiyah), Raul Jimenez (Wolves), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan).

South Africa

Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Olwethy Makhanya (Philadelphia Union).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Forwards: Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates).

Mexico vs South Africa: What has been said?

Ochoa has already confirmed that the World Cup will be his final international appearance.

He said: “Retiring is undoubtedly difficult, but in my case it won’t be so hard because I’ve enjoyed it for so many years, for so long

“There comes a point when your mind and body say, ‘You’ve given it your all,’ and you leave peacefully, and that’s going to be my case.”

World Cup WhatsApp

Don't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.

Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.

It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.

Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.