Live stream link for Mexico vs South Africa today, June 12th: Hosts kick off the 2026 World Cup.

The match between Mexico and South Africa is the opening game of Group A, and also officially kicks off the 2026 World Cup finals. With home advantage, Mexico is considered the favorite in this encounter taking place at Estadio Azteca.

Information about Mexico vs South Africa

Time: 02:00 AM on June 12, 2026, Vietnam time

Stadium: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Tournament: Group A - World Cup 2026

Direct:VTV3,VTV6,VTV9,VTV10

Live stream link for today's football match: Mexico vs. South Africa

Fans can watch the Mexico vs South Africa match live on VTV3, VTV6, VTV9, VTV10, FPT Play, and TV360.

The match took place immediately after the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico. This was a crucial opening game for Mexico, as the host nation needed a win to gain an advantage in Group A.

Match report: Mexico vs South Africa - Score: 2-0

Full time: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0

Mexico concluded the match with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.

90+2': Cesar Montes receives a red card.

South Africa launched a quick counter-attack down the right wing with Mudau. Cesar Montes made a dangerous tackle, showing no clear intention to play the ball, and was therefore sent off by the referee.

84': Zwane's foul is detected by VAR.

The VAR team determined that Zwane struck Alvarado in the face during the incident in the 81st minute. The referee then issued a direct red card to the South African player.

81': Appollis attempts a shot.

Appollis cut inside from the left wing and shot with his right foot. The low shot wasn't powerful enough and went straight to Rangel.

78': Both teams make substitutions in attack.

Mexico brought on Alexis Vega to replace Quinones. South Africa replaced Modiba with Oswin Appollis.

76': Mexico withdraws Jimenez

Edson Alvarez and Armando Gonzalez came on as substitutes for Lira and Jimenez for Mexico. South Africa also brought on Evidence Makgopa to replace Rayners.

73': The referee denies Mexico a penalty.

Mexico won the ball back in midfield, and Alvarado played a through pass to Jimenez. Sibisi's strong tackle caused Jimenez to fall inside the penalty area, but the referee did not award a penalty to the home team.

67': Jimenez scores from close range.

Quinones dropped back to receive the ball, played a one-two with Jimenez, and then passed the ball to Alvarado on the right. From the cross towards the far post, Jimenez broke free and headed the ball into the net from close range to make it 2-0.

66': Mexico brings on 17-year-old player

Gutierrez and Fidalgo left the field, replaced by Chavez and Gilberto Mora. Mora, only 17 years old, is the youngest player in this World Cup and has been compared to Pedri.

65': Mexico steals the ball and counter-attacks.

The home team won possession on the left wing of the South African half. Gutierrez played a through pass to Jimenez, but the ball was intercepted before reaching its destination.

61': South Africa substitutes Adams for Zwane

Themba Zwane, the 36-year-old striker, was brought on to replace Adams.

56': Modiba's shot is not difficult.

Modiba found space slightly to the left of the center of the pitch and unleashed a long-range shot. The ball wasn't dangerous enough to trouble goalkeeper Rangel.

56': Thalente Mbatha comes on.

South Africa substituted striker Foster with Thalente Mbatha, adding an extra defensive midfielder.

51': Jimenez tries his luck from a free kick.

From a position just outside the South African penalty area, Jimenez decided to shoot directly. However, his shot was blocked by the wall.

49': The red card appears

Mexico launched a lightning-fast counter-attack, with Gutierrez breaking free after a single chipped pass. Sithole committed a foul from behind to prevent the one-on-one opportunity and was sent off by the referee.

46': The second half begins.

South Africa was the first team to kick off in the second set.

End of first half: Mexico takes the lead.

The first half ended with Mexico leading South Africa by one goal.

45+4': Gutierrez fails to capitalize on Quinones' pass.

Quinones delivered a brilliant through pass, putting Gutierrez in a favorable position on the left side of the penalty area. However, Gutierrez's shot lacked accuracy, much to the frustration of coach Aguirre.

42': Quinnes' goal is denied by the post.

After Quinones' long-range shot deflected off a South African player, Mexico continued to attack. Reyes crossed, Jimenez set up a wall, and Quinones fired a low shot, but the ball hit the post.

38': South Africa responds

A high ball from the left wing was delivered early into the Mexican penalty area. Lyle Foster rose high to head the ball but couldn't put it into the net.

35': Gallardo's cross is cleared by Williams.

Gallardo received the ball from Quinones and raced down the left wing. The Mexican defender crossed the ball towards Jimenez, but Williams safely caught it.

29': Gallardo cuts inside and takes a shot.

During a Mexican attack, Gallardo received the ball from Quinones and moved inside. He unleashed a right-footed shot, but center-back Okon made a successful save.

23': Rangel handles a high ball.

From Mbokazi's long pass, the ball went straight into the Mexican penalty area. Rangel rushed out to push the ball away instead of catching it, but South Africa didn't have a shot on goal immediately afterward.

Gutierrez fouled Mudau and received a yellow card.

19': Quinones fires a shot from outside the penalty area.

Quinones controlled the ball well outside the South African penalty area, creating an opportunity to turn and shoot. However, his long-range shot went wide of the target.

17': First yellow card for Mokoena

Mokoena received a yellow card after fouling Fidalgo. This incident prevented Mexico from having a chance to launch a counter-attack.

13': Jimenez's header goes over the crossbar.

Mexico took a corner kick from the left wing. Jimenez jumped high to meet the ball, but his header went too high.

9': Quinones puts Mexico ahead 1-0

Okon's mistake following a pass from Williams created an opportunity for Mexico. Lira rushed in to contest the ball, causing it to bounce to Quinones' feet. The player quickly controlled the ball and fired a decisive low shot into the South African net.

7': Mexico presses down the wing.

Gallardo attempted to cross the ball from the wing into the penalty area, but Mudau made a timely tackle to stop him. The ball then bounced back from Gallardo's foot and went out of bounds.

5': Williams makes an impressive save.

Following an attack down the right wing, Reyes crossed the ball into the South African penalty area. Jimenez immediately took a shot, but Williams reacted quickly to push the ball away.

4': Gutierrez's free kick is blocked.

Mexico were awarded a free kick on the right wing. Gutierrez took a direct shot, but South Africa's two-man wall handled it.

02:06: The two teams begin the match.

Mexico kicked off first, and the match officially began.

Mexico's expected lineup

Raúl Rangel, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Érik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado, Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez.

South Africa's expected lineup

Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster.

Mexico vs South Africa Prediction

Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the three host nations. This gives them a significant advantage in terms of morale, home ground, and fan support. The Estadio Azteca has always been a special stronghold for Mexican football, where the home team often exerts strong pressure on their opponents.

Mexico's squad boasts a blend of experience and speed. Raúl Jiménez is the linchpin in attack, while Roberto Alvarado and Julián Quiñones can create numerous attacking moves down the flanks. The midfield, featuring Érik Lira and Álvaro Fidalgo, promises to help Mexico control the tempo of the game.

South Africa returns to the World Cup with a certain level of confidence, but this is a very difficult match for the African representatives. They face pressure from the stands, the playing conditions in Mexico City, and an opponent with superior personnel.

South Africa's advantage lies in their solid defense and quick counter-attacks. Lyle Foster is the hope in attack, while Themba Zwane and Oswin Appollis can create notable chances in the final third. However, withstanding the constant pressure from Mexico will be no easy task.

With the home advantage and a slightly stronger squad, Mexico is likely to control the game. If they make good use of their opportunities in the first half, the home team could aim for a complete victory on opening day.

Predicted score: Mexico 2-0 South Africa.