The 2026 World Cup Kicks-Off On June 11
Mexico City Stadium, Mexico | 2026 World Cup Group A | Thursday, June 11 | 8pm BST
After months of planning – even years in some nations cases – the 2026 World Cup is here! And ahead of the eagerly anticipated opener, BetVictor News brings you the in-depth Mexico vs South Africa preview – including score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Mexico vs South Africa prediction: El Tricolor claim winning start
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
Mexico Vs South Africa Preview
16 years on from the 2010 World Cup opener, Mexico and South Africa will once again go toe-to-toe; this time in North America. El Tricolor have already made history by becoming the first nation to host football’s greatest football extravaganza on three separate occasions.
They were standalone hosts in 1970 and 1986 whereas this time around, they will be sharing the load with neighbours Canada and the USA. Known as the Round of 16 specialists, Mexico will be keen to get off to a winning start and the Mexico vs South Africa odds imply that outcome will come to fruition.
As for Bafana Bafana, this will be their first appearance on the global stage since the 2010 spectacle. When the sides last met, Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the most stunning and iconic World Cup goals in what was an eventual 1-1 draw.
Mexico Vs South Africa H2H Record
In terms of the Mexico vs South Africa H2H record, El Tricolor hold the upperhand. Which is something to bear in mind when it comes to World Cup betting on BetVictor’s Mexico vs South Africa betting markets.
Javier Aguirre’s side have won two of the four previous encounters, drawing one and losing the other. The most recent meeting was the 2010 World Cup clash where Rafael Marquez cancelled out Siphiwe Tshabalala’s opener.
Mexico vs South Africa H2H:
- 2010 World Cup – South Africa 1-1 Mexico
- 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup – South Africa 2-1 Mexico
- 2000 US Nike Cup – Mexico 4-2 South Africa
- 1993 International friendly – Mexico 4-0 South Africa
Mexico Vs South Africa Team News
Legendary Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is hoping to get the nod over Raul Rangel and if he does, he will be the first player in history to appear in six World Cup tournaments. Elsewhere, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora is also pushing hard to make Javier Aguirre’s starting XI. Edson Alvarez and Raul Jimenez are expected to feature from the off.
Meanwhile, South Africa are likely to unleash Lyle Foster. The Burnley forward netted against Jamaica in the recent warm-up game and is set to be supported by Oswin Appollis. Having recovered from a hamstring injury, Aubrey Modiba should start at left-back.
Mexico’s last six in all comps:
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South Africa’s last six in all comps:
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Mexico Vs South Africa Predicted Lineups
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Alvarez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Pineda; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Foster, Moremi
Mexico Vs South Africa TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
UK-based viewers can watch Mexico vs South Africa live on ITV 1 from 7:15pm. The broadcaster will also be showing the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony (Mexico) which will include acts such Shakira and Burna Boy. Streaming is also available on ITVX. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
Mexico Vs South Africa Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- This will be the first meeting between Mexico and South Africa since the 2010 World Cup opener
- Mexico’s best ever finishes (quarter-final) came in 1970 and 1986, the previous times they hosted the World Cup
- South Africa have never advanced past the group stages in their three previous appearances
Top Betting Angles for Mexico vs South Africa
Over 2.5 goals: Three of the four H2H clashes has produced over 2.5 goals. Online at 21/20.
BTTS (Yes): Five of South Africa’s last six has seen both teams score. Available at 29/20.
Anytime goalscorers: Raul Jimenez (13/10), Santiago Gimenez (13/10), Gilberto Mora (12/5) and Lyle Foster (18/5) all offer potential.
Mexico Vs South Africa Prediction
Looking at the Mexico World Cup stats, it’s fair to assume they will fare well on home turf. And many consider El Tricolor to be a 2026 World Cup dark horse and we fully expect them to kick-off the 23rd edition of football’s greatest extravaganza with a win.
Expect an admirable effort from South Africa but the gulf in quality should prove evident at the legendary Azteca Stadium. A venue in which Mexico have never lost at in the World Cup finals.
Prediction: Mexico 3-1 South Africa (12/1)
If you intend to bet on Mexico vs South Africa then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 11:45am June, 10, 2026.
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