| Mexico wins | Draw | South Africa wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1.43 | 4.55 | 9.2 |
| Mexico | South Africa |
|---|---|
All Competitions | All Competitions |
LAST GAME: | LAST GAME: |
Event Details
- Date and Time: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT
- Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico
- Competition: FIFA World Cup
| Odds via 20Bet | |
| Mexico vs South Africa | Thursday, June 11, 2026, 3 PM EDT |
| Mexico odds | -233 |
| South Africa odds | +740 |
| Draw | +350 |
| Over/Under | Total 2.5: +125/-141 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 100 $/€ |
Mexico vs South Africa Preview and Team News
Mexico Team News
Javier Aguirre’s Mexico will kick off the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as they look to record an opening-night win over South Africa in a rematch of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup.
El Tri have stepped up their performance levels since the start of the calendar year, winning six of their eight matches and playing out respectable draws against highly ranked Portugal and Belgium. Offensively, they’ve also been strong in recent games, scoring eight goals in their previous three.
Guillermo Ochoa is set to appear in his sixth World Cup for Mexico. Alexis Vega is expected to be a key player in the final third, having registered three goal involvements in his last six appearances.
Mexico predicted lineup vs South Africa (4-3-3): Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Gutierrez; Vega, Jimenez, Alvarado.
South Africa Team News
The odds will be stacked against Hugo Broos’ South Africa on opening night. The team have underperformed throughout 2026, failing to win in four of their five matches.
They can take some confidence from their recent victory over Jamaica, but Mexico will present a much sterner test. South Africa have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in five of their previous seven games.
Lyle Foster will lead the line after scoring 10 goals in his 26 international appearances. Width will be provided by the pacey Tshepang Moremi. The 25-year-old has registered four goal involvements in his last 10 outings.
South Africa predicted lineup vs Mexico (4-2-3-1): Williams; Matuludi, Modiba, Mbokazi, Ndamane; Mokoena, Mbatha; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Foster.
Mexico vs South Africa Prediction
- Pick: Mexico to Win
- Odds: -233 (20Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Mexico 2-0 South Africa
This is the ideal Matchday 1 assignment for Mexico, making a win for the World Cup hosts a standout bet.
El Tri have been in red-hot form throughout 2026, winning each of their last three matches and showing their competitiveness against higher-ranked teams such as Portugal and Belgium.
South Africa are considerably lower ranked than the nations that they have been beating in recent months. Bafana Bafana could be low on confidence after losing two of their five fixtures in 2026 and failing to beat lowly-ranked Panama and Nicaragua. Mexico are also unbeaten in their last six internationals against African nations.
Mexico vs South Africa Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Raul Jimenez to Score
- Odds: +150 (20Bet)
Raul Jimenez should play a pivotal role in Mexico’s chances of progression this summer. The striker has been a talisman for the national team, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances since the start of last year.
He has also found the net once in three games in 2026. Jimenez’s threat from set pieces and his ability to remain calm when taking penalties ensure that he is the standout high-risk angle to score in Mexico’s World Cup opener on Thursday.
Mexico vs South Africa Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- FOX (USA)
- TSN (Canada)
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