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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, with 48 teams (the most ever) competing for soccer’s top prize. Hosted across North America, the tournament kicks off today, June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match at 3 p.m. ET.
Broadcast on Fox and played live from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the matchup gives both teams an opportunity to earn three points in Group A. The tournament features 12 groups of four teams each, with countries battling through the group stage before advancing to the knockout rounds.
If you’re hoping to watch the opener but don’t have access to Fox through cable, there are several streaming options available. Fans can tune in with a free trial from DirecTV or Fubo, while paid services such as Sling and Hulu + Live TV also carry Fox (and will also give you access to the rest of the World Cup, which runs through Sunday, July 19).
At a Glance: Where to Watch the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup Game
Mexico enters the tournament as the favorite in the opening match, with a prediction to “win and under 3.5 goals,” per FanDuel. While the winner will walk away with three important points, the losing side won’t be eliminated from the competition. Both teams will still have opportunities to advance through their remaining group-stage matches.
Where to Watch the Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup Game for Free
For viewers looking for the quickest way to watch Mexico vs. South Africa without paying upfront, a free trial through DirecTV or Fubo is the easiest option.
editor’s Pick
DirecTV
➤ $39.99/month (best plan)
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
DirecTV is our favorite live TV streaming service for watching Mexico vs. South Africa, thanks to its broad coverage of major national and local channels. Fox is available in several DirecTV packages, including the MyNews and MySports Genre Packs as well as the larger Signature Packages. Plans with Fox start at $39.99/month, and each comes with a five-day free trial.
Fubo
➤ $55.99/month
➤ Free trial
➤ Up to 300+ channels
Fubo is another strong option for watching Mexico vs. South Africa, with up to 300+ channels and solid local coverage. Fox is included with every plan, with packages starting at $55.99/month. You can also start with a free trial and get up to $30 off your first month.
Sling
➤ $45.99/month
➤ Short-term passes available
➤ Up to 50+ channels
Soccer fans can also watch Mexico vs. South Africa live on Sling, which carries Fox in its Blue package. Plans start at $45.99/month, and you can gett 50% off your first month. Sling does not offer a free trial.
Hulu + Live TV
➤ $89.99/month
➤ Three-day free trial
➤ 100+ channels
Hulu + Live TV is another option that has Fox in its channel listings. It also includes free access to Hulu (on-demand), Disney+, and ESPN. This one also includes a three-day free trial so you can watch the Mexico vs. South Africa match.
Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup Game Date, Start Time
The Mexico vs. South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 match takes place Thursday, June 11, at 3 p.m. ET and airs on Fox. It marks the first game of the tournament.
