The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament will kick off with a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser when co-host Mexico battle South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the June 11 encounter.
Mexico vs South Africa match preview
Mexico, co-hosts alongside Canada and the United States of America, kick things off against South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener hosted in the African country, which ended 1-1. The North American giants have never progressed beyond the last eight of the World Cup and were eliminated in the group stages at the 2022 edition in Qatar, after reaching the Round of 16 for seven consecutive editions between 1994 and 2018.
It was a wait of many years, and now it’s only 2️⃣ days away. 🥹
This Thursday, the World Cup kicks off in Mexico for the third time in history! 🇲🇽🏟️#SomosMéxico pic.twitter.com/hYEgZcwAIB
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 9, 2026
This time around, they have been placed in group A alongside South Africa, South Korea and Czech Republic. Head coach Javier Aguirre has named a strong 26-man squad for the mundial, which includes the likes of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Jimenez.
South Africa, meanwhile, pipped Nigeria to the automatic ticket in group C of the CAF qualifiers to qualify for their first World Cup since they hosted the 2010 edition, ending a run of three consecutive absence. Bafana Bafana have never progressed beyond the group stages in their three previous appearances and will be hoping to reach the knockout for a first time in this edition.
Mexico vs South Africa Head-to-Head
- 11.06.2010 – South Africa 1-1 Mexico
- 09.07.2005 – Mexico 1-2 South Africa
- 07.06.2000 – Mexico 4-2 South Africa
South Africa remain unbeaten in their two previous meetings with Mexico, although both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their only meeting at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s only win came as far back as 2000, when they recorded a 4-2 victory in a friendly match.
Best betting odds
Home (Mexico) to Win – 1.43 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Mexico look like the stronger side at the moment and will also benefit from strong home support. That extra boost from the crowd could help them break down South Africa’s defence and start their World Cup campaign with a victory.
Recent form: Mexico
Mexico head into this clash in impressive form and on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, including a dominant 5-1 win over Serbia in their last match.
The North American side also kept six clean sheets during this period, and conceded just twice across the games.
2026 World Cup. Mexico vs South Africa: preview, starting XI, prediction, betting, facts
Recent form: South Africa
South Africa enter this clash on the back of a five-game winless run, where they have drawn three times and lost two games.
Bafana Bafana have kept just a single clean sheet in their last six games as well , although they have managed to score against their opposition in five matches during this poor run of form.
Player to watch
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Burnley forward Lyle Foster will lead the attack for South Africa and will be eyeing a goalscoring debut at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old’s holdup play and his physical battle against the Mexican defence will be very crucial to his side’s chances in this clash.
