League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Breaking News

Mexico scores 2-0 win over South Africa in World Cup opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 7:55 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Mexico scores 2-0 win over South Africa in World Cup opener

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced on Thursday with Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0. This match attracted 6.3 million viewers across Fox, Fox One, and Tubi, marking the highest ratings for an English-language Men's World Cup opening match in U.S. history. Viewership peaked with over 8 million viewers at 4:15 p.m. ET. The audience for this match also represented a 97% increase from the average non-USMNT group stage telecast on Fox in 2022. The event began with an opening ceremony in Mexico City featuring performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, and others, with two more ceremonies scheduled in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mexico wins 2-0 against South Africa in World Cup opener.
•Match draws 6.3 million viewers, highest for an English-language opener.
•Viewership peaked at over 8 million at 4:15 p.m. ET.
•Opening ceremony features performances by Shakira and others.
•Two additional ceremonies planned in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Latest Updates

7:55 PMYahoo Sports — Mexico’s Victory Over South Africa To Open 2026 Men’s World Cup Scores Record Audience For Fox

What they're saying

"
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is off to a record-breaking start. The tournament began Thursday with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, with the former’s 2-0 victory clutching 6.3 million viewers across Fox, Fox One and Tubi, per a combination of early Nielsen ratings and internal data. That makes it the most-watched English-language …
— Yahoo Sports

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