Tournament co-hosts, Mexico kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup in their Group A opener against South Africa.
This match marks the start of Mexico’s 18th World Cup campaign, whilst South Africa are appearing in only their fourth World Cup.
Team News
Mexico have no fresh injury concerns with Wolves’ return signing, Raul Jimenez set to lead the line.
South Africa too have no fresh injury concerns to report with Burnley’s Lyle Foster amongst the roster.
When is Kick-Off?
Mexico face South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on Thursday 11 June at 2pm CST (8pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Mexico drew 1-1 against South Africa in their only previous World Cup meeting in the 2010 edition.
- South Africa are facing Mexico away in the World Cup for the first time.
- The only previous World Cup meeting between Mexico and South Africa coincidentally fell on 11 June and was also the tournament opener.
- Mexico failed to score in two of their three group matches at the 2022 World Cup (W1, D1, L1).
- South Africa have won one of five matches in all competitions in 2026 (W1, D2, L2).
Prediction
Given how open Group A looks, Mexico are coming into this opener in strong form with just two goals conceded and 15 goals scored in 2026 so confidence should be high for a better showing than they produced in 2022, but the home crowd has to get behind them and create a tough atmosphere for the opposition.
South Africa though won’t make things easy because eight of their last nine matches were settled by one-goal margins, whilst the other match finished 0-0 against Nicaragua in late May, so I expect them to be rock solid and difficult to break down.
Mexico will therefore need some patience but as tournament co-hosts and at home, I do think that they will have too much quality for South Africa.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1 South Africa
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