Watch Bafana Bafana’s World Cup opener live: Here’s what you need to know

If you’re not a fan of going out and want to enjoy the Bafana game without having to drive anywhere, this is the solution for you. South African football fans are counting down the hours untilBafana Bafanamake their long-awaited return to the Fifa World Cup stage when they face Mexico in the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday night. For supporters wondering where to catch all the action, SABC has confirmed that both SABC1 and 3will broadcast the highly anticipated fixture live, giving millions of viewers across the country free access to the tournament opener.

The match kicks off on Thursday, 11 June 2026, immediately after the World Cup opening ceremony and build-up programme, which will air live from 6.30pm to 9pm on both channels. SABC’s Video Entertainment division has announced that SABC3 will serve as the primary television home of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa. The channel will provide extensive tournament coverage, including pre-match analysis, post-match discussions and expert insights throughout the competition.

To ensure maximum accessibility, allBafana Bafanamatches will be simulcast on SABC1 and 3, allowing supporters to follow every moment of the national team’sWorld Cupjourney. The opening fixture against Mexico brings back memories of one of South Africa’s most iconic football moments. The two nations met in the opening match of the2010 World Cup at Soccer Cityin Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a stunning goal that remains one of the most celebrated moments in South African sporting history.

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That encounter ended in a memorable 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, Bafana Bafana have another opportunity to make history as they return to football’s biggest stage carrying the hopes of a nation.

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