Everything you need to know about today's World Cup fixtures, including the kick-off times, TV channels, and live stream options — as the tournament starts in North America
08:43, 11 Jun 2026
The World Cup starts on Thursday
The World Cup starts on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)
The World Cup officially begins on Thursday.
While no Reds will be in action, Liverpool fans are still expected to tune in and watch the action unfold, starting with the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. The clash will unfold at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. As the curtain-raiser for the major tournament, there'll be added intensity and expectation on both sides to deliver.
That game will be followed by South Korea's clash with the Czech Republic. The day's second match will take place at the Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico. The modern venue stands ready to stage its inaugural major match of the competition.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa
The tournament opener is set to get underway at 8 pm United Kingdom time on Thursday, June 11. That's 1 pm local time in Mexico and 3 pm ET or 12 pm PT for those tuning in from the United States.
In the United Kingdom, live coverage will air on ITV1, with proceedings commencing at 6:15 pm local time. That provides fans with 105 minutes of pre-match discussion, expert insight and opening ceremony spectacle ahead of kick-off. Fans can watch online via the ITVX website or the ITVX app on smartphones and smart TVs. The World Cup can also be streamed on DAZN at no cost in certain territories.
Stateside viewers can follow the action live on FOX or FOX One. Spanish-language commentary is also available on TUDN.
The prize everyone wants
The prize everyone wants(Image: Getty Images)
Radio commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live in the United Kingdom. That broadcast will likewise be accessible digitally via the BBC Sounds app and online.
Mexico vs South Africa team news
Striker Raul Jimenez is fit and set to spearhead Mexico's attack, though uncertainty remains over the goalkeeper position with both Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Rangel in contention. For South Africa, Burnley's Lyle Foster is available for selection, and Teboho Mokoena looks likely to feature in the middle of the park.
The sides memorably shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw during the curtain-raiser of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. Overall, Mexico enjoys a marginal advantage over South Africa, having secured two victories to one across their four encounters.
How to watch South Korea vs Czech Republic
This Group A clash is set to commence at 3 am United Kingdom time on Friday, June 12. Due to time zone differences, Mexican fans will witness the action begin at 8 pm local time on Thursday, while those watching in America can tune in from 10 pm ET (7 pm PT).
In the United Kingdom, live transmission will be available on ITV with coverage commencing at 2:30 am. Pundits will deliver 30 minutes of build-up analysis before the sides emerge. Fans can watch the live broadcast through the ITVX app on compatible smartphones, tablets, and consoles. Those using desktop computers can alternatively access the ITVX website directly to stream the fixture.
Viewers in the United States can catch live action on FS1, with kick-off scheduled for 10 pm ET (7 pm PT). Streaming is also available via the FOX Sports app for those with valid TV provider credentials.
In the United Kingdom, audio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live from 2:55 am. Fans can listen via digital radio or on BBC Sounds.
South Korea vs Czech Republic team news
South Korea will be captained by Son Heung-min, while Besiktas forward Oh Hyeon-gyu arrives in excellent form ahead of the tournament. The Czech Republic squad has reported no late fitness concerns, with Tomas Soucek continuing to anchor the midfield.
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These two sides have met just three times previously in senior men's international soccer. The record stands perfectly balanced with one victory apiece and a draw, making this upcoming encounter all square.