The wait is finally over. World Cup 2026 gets underway today as hosts Mexico take on South Africa before South Korea face Czech Republic in the second match of the tournament.
The opening day of any World Cup can be difficult to predict. Nerves, expectation and the importance of avoiding defeat often lead to cagey contests, particularly in the group stage. However, there are still some standout betting angles worth considering across today’s two fixtures.
Below, we’ve picked out four of the best World Cup tips for today’s action, including s selections in the tournament opener and two bets from South Korea’s clash with the Czech Republic.
Today’s World Cup Tips
| Match | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico -1 handicap | 6/4 with bet365 |
| Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico 2-0 South Africa | 11/2 with Betfred |
| South Korea vs Czech Republic | Score draw | 15/4 with bet365 |
| South Korea vs Czech Republic | Correct score: 1-1 | 11/2 with Betfred |
Mexico vs South Africa Tips
Mexico -1 handicap (6/4 with bet365)
Mexico begin World Cup 2026 as strong favourites and will expect to make home advantage count in Mexico City. Javier Aguirre’s side arrive with far greater quality throughout the squad and should control large periods of possession against a South Africa team likely to sit deep and defend.
While South Africa have shown resilience in recent months, they often struggle to create chances against stronger opposition. Mexico, meanwhile, possess plenty of attacking threat through Julian Quinones, Santiago Gimenez and Raul Jimenez. If the hosts find an early breakthrough, they have the quality to pull clear and cover the one-goal handicap.
Anthony Eadson
Mexico come into the game as clear favourites, currently priced at 8/15 to win the game outright. That price seems a little too short but there is plenty of value in the handicap market. Mexico will be keen to impress as hosts and could put South Africa to the sword as they look to make home advantage count.
6/4 PLACE BETCorrect score: Mexico 2-0 South Africa (11/2 with Betfred)
With that handicap selection in mind, there is also plenty of appeal in the correct score market. Mexico are unbeaten across their last five matches and have conceded just once during that run, highlighting the defensive solidity they bring into World Cup 2026.
South Africa, meanwhile, have won only one of their last five games and have shipped an average of 1.6 goals per match over that period. Given the hosts’ superiority at both ends of the pitch, Mexico to record a 2-0 victory looks a strong play in the tournament opener.
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South Korea vs Czech Republic tips
Score draw (15/4 with bet365)
This Group A encounter looks one of the most evenly matched games of the opening round. South Korea came through qualification unbeaten and possess genuine attacking quality, while Czech Republic showed plenty of character to navigate two tense play-off victories and book their place at World Cup 2026.
Neither side will want to lose their opening fixture, especially with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins. As a result, a cautious approach could take priority over chasing all three points, making the draw an attractive option.
Andy Francis
This Group A fixture promises to be a close and competitive clash, given how evenly matched the two sides appear on paper. South Korea were unbeaten throughout qualifying, while the Czech Republic showed real resilience in navigating two tense play-off ties via penalty shootouts.
15/4 PLACE BETCorrect score: South Korea 1-1 Czech Republic (11/2 with Betfred)
Both teams have enough firepower to get on the scoresheet. South Korea boast the quality of Son Heung-min, while Czech Republic will look to Patrik Schick to provide the cutting edge in attack.
However, with this being the first group-stage match for both nations, caution could play a significant role. A share of the spoils would leave each side well placed heading into their remaining fixtures, making a 1-1 draw a logical correct-score selection.
Both countries possess enough attacking quality, notably through Son Heung-min and Patrik Schick, to find the net, but with this being the opening group game, avoiding defeat could take priority over chasing victory.
11/2 PLACE BETClick here to see our 9/1 Bet Builder Tip for Mexico vs South Africa
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