Mexico vs South Africa, FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch WC Opener, Opening Cermony In India

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 13:27 IST

The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins with Mexico vs South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Here's how to watch the opener live in India, plus opening ceremony details.

The wait is finally over.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday night with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Sixteen years after meeting in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, Mexico and South Africa once again have the honour of launching football’s biggest spectacle.

For Mexico, the pressure and excitement of playing in front of a packed home crowd will be immense. South Africa, meanwhile, arrive looking to spoil the party and recreate some of the magic from their historic appearance as hosts in 2010.

Mexico vs South Africa: Match Details

Match: Mexico vs South Africa

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026

Group: Group A

Venue: Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca), Mexico City

Date: June 11, 2026

Kick-off Time (IST): 1:30 AM

Where to Live Stream Online: ZEE5

Where To Watch TV Broadcast: Unite8 Sports Channels

Where to Watch Mexico vs South Africa Live In India?

Football fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match live on:

TV Broadcast Channels

Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, Unite8 Sports 2 HD

Live Streaming Platforms

ZEE5 App, ZEE5 Website

Opening Ceremony: Star-Studded Start to the World Cup

Before Mexico and South Africa take the field, FIFA will officially open the tournament with a special ceremony celebrating Mexican culture and football heritage.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM IST, around 90 minutes before kick-off, and will feature music, entertainment and cultural performances.

Among the biggest attractions will be the first live performance of “Dai Dai," the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, featuring Shakira and Burna Boy.

The lineup also includes:

• J Balvin
• Tyla
• Alejandro Fernández
• Belinda
• Maná

Hollywood star Salma Hayek is also expected to appear as one of FIFA’s World Cup ambassadors.

Adding a special touch, Alejandro Fernández will perform Mexico’s national anthem, while Tyla will perform South Africa’s anthem before kick-off.

Timings For Tonight

12:30 AM – 1:15 AM — Pre-match Coverage

1:30 AM Onwards Live — Mexico vs South Africa

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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