Who plays today at the World Cup? The schedule for Mexico v South Africa and the other Group A match on Thursday, 11 June

Save

Share

Reviewed by: 

Media Manager

 ·  June 11, 2026

Football’s biggest tournament opens on Thursday, 11 June, across the United States, Canada and Mexico. This is the first edition built around 48 teams and 104 matches, played over 39 days.

For Australian fans, that means setting an alarm. Both opening-day fixtures are played in Mexico, so they land in the early hours and around midday of Friday, 12 June, here in AEST. Day one belongs entirely to Group A, with two matches on the card and the rest of the 48-team field still to come over the following days.

Mexico vs South Africa: The Tournament Opener

The standout fixture is the opener itself—Mexico v South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. As co-hosts, Mexico get the honour of kicking off the tournament on home soil, and the venue carries its own slice of history: the Azteca becomes the first stadium to stage matches at three different World Cups, having hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals.

There are no points on the board for anyone yet, so this is purely about making a fast start. Mexico will want to settle the nerves and lay down a marker in front of a packed house, while South Africa, back at the tournament, will be out to spoil the party. For viewers here, it’s a 5:00am AEST wake-up, but for the first whistle of a World Cup, that’s a fair trade.

South Korea vs Czechia: Group A Takes Shape

The day’s other fixture completes Group A’s opening round: South Korea v Czechia in Guadalajara. It’s a far more civilised watch for Australians at midday, and an intriguing one.

Both sides know early points in a four-team group are precious, and with Mexico and South Africa having already played their opener, the winner here can immediately apply pressure across the group.

South Korea will bring their familiar pace and a core of players based in Europe’s top leagues, while Czechia will fancy their chances of making an early statement. Neither side will want to start on the back foot.

Today’s World Cup schedule in Sydney (AEST kick-offs Friday 12 June)

• 5:00am (Fri 12 June) — Mexico v South Africa. Round: Group A, group stage (matchday 1). TV/streaming: SBS, SBS On Demand. Stadium: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City).
• 12:00pm (Fri 12 June) — South Korea v Czechia. Round: Group A, group stage (matchday 1). TV/streaming: SBS, SBS On Demand. Stadium: Estadio Akron (Guadalajara).

Cool things to do in Sydney: