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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Alex Pattle

How to watch the first game of the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa

World Cup South Africa Mexico
  • The World Cup is finally due to get underway on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City.
  • The game is set to kick-off at 8pm BST (3pm ET), and will be a repeat of the first match of the 2010 World Cup, which was held in South Africa.
  • The match will be broadcast on ITV 1 and ITV X in England, while Scottish viewers can catch the action on STV and STV Player.
  • For US viewers, the game will be available on FOX and Spanish-language broadcasts will be available on NBC-owned Telemundo.
  • Mexico failed to make it beyond the group stage in 2022, while South Africa will be playing in their first World Cup in 16 years.

IN FULL

World Cup 2026 TV schedule: How to watch every game on BBC and ITV in the UK

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