🇲🇽 Mexico vs South Africa 🇿🇦
Mexico 2-0 South Africa (full time). Goals: Julián Quiñones 9', Raúl Jiménez 67'. The match aired in Spanish in the US free on Telemundo and streamed on Peacock.
Match recap
Co-hosts Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa in front of more than 80,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca. Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal inside nine minutes and Raúl Jiménez headed in his first-ever World Cup goal to make it 2-0 in the 67th. Three players were sent off: Sithole and Zwane for South Africa, and César Montes for Mexico in stoppage time. The Azteca became the first stadium to host matches at three different World Cups.
Where it aired in Spanish
The match aired in Spanish on Telemundo, free over the air, and streamed on Peacock. Each team's next game airs on the same channels.
The teams
Mexico reach the 2026 World Cup through CONCACAF and have been drawn into Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea and Czechia. As one of the three host nations, Mexico play this World Cup at home, which adds pressure and a built-in crowd. Mexico have yet to win a World Cup, and a strong group stage would already be a notable run.
South Africa reach the 2026 World Cup through CAF and have been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. South Africa have yet to win a World Cup, and a strong group stage would already be a notable run.
The venue
The match is played at Estadio Azteca in Ciudad de México, a 87,523-capacity venue that FIFA refers to as Estadio Ciudad de México during the tournament. The nearest major airport is AICM (MEX). FIFA enforces a clear-bag policy at every venue, so plan to travel light and arrive early to get through security.
Estadio Azteca →Frequently asked questions
How did Mexico vs South Africa end?+
Mexico 2-0 South Africa (full time). Goals: Julián Quiñones 9', Raúl Jiménez 67'.
Where can I watch Mexico vs South Africa in Spanish?+
In Spanish in the US, the match airs free over the air on Telemundo, on Universo on cable, and streams on Peacock. Telemundo is the easiest free option.
What time does Mexico vs South Africa kick off?+
Kickoff is at 1:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM ART (Mexico, US Eastern and Argentina times). Check the timezone table above for your exact local time.
Is Mexico vs South Africa free to watch?+
Yes, if it airs on Telemundo over the air you can watch it free with an antenna. Universo (cable) and Peacock (streaming) are paid options that also carry it in Spanish.
What channel is the match on in Spanish?+
Telemundo or Universo on TV, and Peacock for streaming, all with Spanish-language commentary.
Where is Mexico vs South Africa played?+
At Estadio Azteca in Ciudad de México.
Who is favourite in Mexico vs South Africa?+
Group matches are tight; see the "what to expect" section above for the head-to-head context.
Diego Salcedo is a bilingual football writer based in Houston. He breaks down matches, tactics and the talking points of every World Cup matchday, following South American and European football closely for over a decade.
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