Preview: Mexico vs South Africa prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

The Bafana Bafana will kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a reverse fixture of the 2010 opener as they face hosts Mexico on Thursday. After 16 years, these two sides will lock horns once again in the Group Stage of the FIFA World Cup. This will be the first time South Africa plays a competitive fixture in Mexico.

El Tri lost in the last 16 in seven consecutive World Cups but have higher hopes for this edition, as they will play their matches at home. Head coach Javier Aguirre is very optimistic about his side surpassing the Round of 16 barrier. The Mexican Football team had a great preparation as they won both the friendly match recently and will be confident going into this fixture.

The 2010 World Cup match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, but this time the result might be different. This will be Aguirre’s third World Cup in charge, and he will hope to bring glory to his nation. The Mexican side has quality players who will be determined to give their best on the pitch, and we can expect a great atmosphere in the stadium.

On the other hand, South Africa qualified for the World Cup after 16 years and will be hungry to prove themselves on the big stage. They do lack players with the experience of playing at the World Cup, and this will surely create some problems for them. But overall, they are capable enough of creating upset against Mexico. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Kick-off:

• Location: Mexico City, Mexico
• Stadium: Mexico City Stadium
• Date: Thursday, 11 June
• Kick-off time: 07:00 PM (GMT) | 03:00 PM (EST) | 12/06/2026 – 12:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Mexico (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-D

South Africa (in all competitions): W-D-L-D-L

Players to Watch

Raúl Jiménez (México)

Jimenez is a very well-known figure in Mexican football. He has been part of the Mexican national Team for 13 years. This will be his third World Cup, and despite being 35 years old, he can lead his team with full confidence.

Last season, while playing for Fulham, he played 40 games in which he scored 10 goals and provided three assists. He played six games for Mexico last season, and he scored three goals in them. Jimenez made 124 appearances for his National team, in which he scored 45 goals.

Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Foster is a key player for his club, Burnley, and his National Team. He is someone who has played at the top level and is capable of making a difference on the pitch. Statistically, his profile isn’t very impressive for a forward, but Foster is a reliable player who can make a difference.

This season, he played 26 matches in which he scored three goals and provided two assists. For South Africa, he played four games this season in which he scored twice. Overall, he has made 31 appearances for the National Team and scored 10 goals so far.

Match Facts

• This will be the second time these two sides face each other in a World Cup
• The last time they faced each other was in the 2010 World Cup
• South Africa are undefeated against Mexico in a competitive fixture

Mexico vs South Africa: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Mexico to win this fixture – 2/5 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

Mexico Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo

Defenders: Israel Reyes, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Mateo Chávez

Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutierrez, Orbelin Pineda, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Cesar Huerta, Alvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chavez.

Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Giménez, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Raúl Jiménez

South Africa Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko

Head-to-Head

Matches: 2

Mexico: 0

South Africa: 1

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Mexico Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Rangel (GK); Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Álvarez, Lira, Gutiérrez; Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones

South Africa Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Kekana, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, J. Adams; Appollis, Foster, Zwane

Match Prediction

Mexico played really well in their friendly matches for their preparation for the World Cup, and they are playing at home and are clear favourites to win this match. On the other hand, South Africa are a side that is capable of beating the home side. This will be a tight encounter for sure, but the home team will most likely win this fixture.

Prediction: Mexico 3-1 South Korea

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

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