beIN Sports holds exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights across the MENA region, covering 24 countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan. The network has held MENA rights since the 2014 World Cup, making this its fourth consecutive tournament. For fans across the Middle East and North Africa, beIN Sports is the only official destination to watch Mexico vs South Africa live when the 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
This opening Group A fixture carries historic weight. South Africa and Mexico met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, producing a 1-1 draw. Sixteen years on, the same teams reunite at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca, with Mexico now playing as co-host before a packed home crowd expected to exceed 80,000 fans.
Mexico
FT
2 - 0
South Africa
Scorers: Mexico: Julian Quinones 9', Raul Jimenez 67'
Where to Watch Mexico vs South Africa on beIN Sports
beIN Sports carries all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across its channels in Arabic and English. Coverage of Mexico vs South Africa is available on beIN Sports 1, with English-language commentary available on a secondary beIN Sports English feed where applicable in your country. Fans who cannot access a TV can stream through beIN CONNECT or the TOD app, both of which carry live World Cup coverage.
beIN CONNECT requires an existing beIN Sports subscription, while TOD is a standalone streaming product available in select MENA countries. Both apps support iOS, Android, web browsers, Smart TVs, and Apple TV. Viewers are advised to download the app and test their login before the June 11 kickoff.
Match Quick Facts
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group A |
| Date | Thursday, June 11, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM Local / 8:00 PM BST / 7:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Referee | Wilton Sampaio (Brazil) |
| beIN Sports Coverage | All 104 matches across MENA |
| Streaming | beIN CONNECT, TOD |
| Commentary | Arabic and English |
| Access | Paid subscription |
Kickoff Time by Time Zone
| Region | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| Mexico City (Local) | 1:00 PM CST |
| Eastern Time (ET) | 3:00 PM ET |
| GMT | 7:00 PM GMT |
| BST (UK) | 8:00 PM BST |
| Saudi Arabia (AST) | 10:00 PM AST |
| UAE (GST) | 11:00 PM GST |
| Qatar (AST) | 10:00 PM AST |
| Egypt (EET) | 9:00 PM EET |
| Pakistan (PKT) | 12:00 AM PKT (June 12) |
| India (IST) | 12:30 AM IST (June 12) |
Mexico vs South Africa — Match Preview
Mexico enter the tournament as strong favourites, playing in front of a home crowd at the Estadio Azteca. El Tri arrive unbeaten in their last eight internationals, including a 5-1 friendly win over Serbia and a 2-0 defeat of Ghana in their final pre-tournament warmups. Co-host status and home advantage make Mexico the clear favourites in Group A alongside South Korea and Czechia.
South Africa qualified through a competitive CAF process, finishing above Nigeria despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player. Hugo Broos' side arrives in Mexico City as underdogs, though their possession-based football has been praised. Bafana Bafana have not won in their last four matches, drawing two and losing two, so finding a cutting edge against a well-organized Mexican defence will be their primary challenge. The return of Aubrey Modiba from injury adds an option in attack.
H2H Record — Mexico vs South Africa
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 3 |
| Mexico Wins | 1 |
| Draws | 2 |
| South Africa Wins | 0 |
| Last Meeting | June 11, 2010 — 1-1 draw (World Cup opener, Johannesburg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico vs South Africa on beIN Sports?
Yes. beIN Sports holds exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 rights across the MENA region, covering 24 countries. Mexico vs South Africa, the tournament's opening match on June 11, is available on beIN Sports 1 with Arabic and English commentary.
How can I watch Mexico vs South Africa on beIN CONNECT?
Open the beIN CONNECT app on your phone, Smart TV, or web browser and navigate to the live sports section. An active beIN Sports subscription is required. TOD is an alternative standalone product available in select MENA countries without a cable subscription.
What time does Mexico vs South Africa kick off for MENA viewers?
Kickoff is at 10:00 PM AST in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, 11:00 PM GST in the UAE, and 9:00 PM EET in Egypt on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Does beIN Sports show Mexico vs South Africa in English?
Yes. beIN Sports offers both Arabic and English commentary feeds for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Check your local channel guide for the specific beIN Sports English channel number in your country.
Is the FIFA World Cup 2026 free on beIN Sports?
No. beIN Sports requires a paid subscription across all MENA countries. Free-to-air access for selected matches may be available through national public broadcasters in some countries, but official World Cup coverage via beIN Sports is a paid product.
Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca is the match that starts the FIFA World Cup 2026, and beIN Sports is the only official place to watch it live across the Middle East and North Africa. Set your reminder for June 11, subscribe through beIN CONNECT or TOD before opening night, and use FIFA World Cup 2026 for the full match schedule, Group A standings, and confirmed kickoff times across all 104 matches.
Read Also: Mexico vs South Africa Live — Sky Sports and UK Viewing, World Cup 2026
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