Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup when they face off on Thursday at 8pm (UK time).
El Tri are the co-hosts and have the honour of opening the tournament at the Estadio Azteca. This will be Mexico’s 18th World Cup, and their ninth in a row. They’ll be looking to bounce back from their group-stage exit four years ago.
South Africa, meanwhile, are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. They were also involved in the opening game then, as hosts of the tournament, when they faced Mexico.
That game finished level and was the last meeting between these two sides. South Africa did beat Mexico at the Gold Cup in 2005, but El Tri still lead on the head-to-head having won the first two meetings.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Mexico vs South Africa team news
Although some will look to veteran Guillermo Ochoa to start in goal against South Africa, he is very much at the World Cup as a backup. Raul Rangel is now Mexico’s No.1 goalkeeper and will start in the opening game.
At the other end of the pitch Raul Jimenez is the first-choice to lead the line, starting ahead of Santiago Gimenez. In Mexico’s final pre-tournament friendly against Serbia, Erik Lira started at the base of the midfield and he looks to have that spot nailed down. Edson Alvarez had to settle for a bench role, with the centre-back options also looking nailed down.
Johan Vasquez and Cesar Montes were the starting centre-backs against Serbia, flanked by Jorge Sanchez and Jesus Gallardo. Mexico have also lined up in a more attacking 4-1-4-1, which allows the likes of Roberto Alvarado and Alvaro Fidalgo to provide support behind Jimenez.
The likes of Gilberto Mora, Guillermo Martinez, Alexis Vega and Cesar Huerta may have to make to with substitute roles.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
South Africa played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Jamaica to close their World Cup preparations. Not much is known about the match, including who started. But South Africa manager Hugo Broos was not happy with the performance.
Lyle Foster was known as a goalscorer in the 1-1 draw, and he’s certain to lead the line for South Africa. Bafana Bafana rotated slightly in their previous friendly against Nicaragua, but there were some certain starters. Tshepang Moremi has quickly become a favourite at left-wing, despite only playing nine times for South Africa. Relebohile Mofokeng is the favoured No.10 and one of South Africa’s bright young stars.
Kamogelo Sebelebele started at right-wing against Nicaragua, and is an option despite being a defender. Further back, Yaya Sithole and Thalente Mbatha may continue as the double pivot.
Ronwen Williams is South Africa’s first-choice goalkeeper and that should continue at the World Cup. Thabang Matuludi looks to have the right-back spot nailed down, with Samukele Kabini on the left. South Africa do have a lot of defensive options and can go for a back three if desired. But they have been favouring a 4-2-3-1 of late.
Mexico vs South Africa predicted lineups
Mexico (4-1-4-1): Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Gutierrez, Alvarado, Fidalgo, Quinones; Jimenez.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Williams; Matuludi, Okon, Makhanya, Kabini; Sithole, Mbatha; Sebelebele, Mofokeng, Moremi; Foster.
Read more: