The opening match of World Cup 2026 sees co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in Group A.
Thursday night’s game takes place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and it promises to be quite the spectacle.
An amazing opening ceremony followed by a thrilling match, this is what the tournament is all about!
So, we have previewed the first game in full below, and also picked out some online betting tips based on the latest World Cup odds.
And if you are looking to create a World Cup combo bet this week, remember that NetBet’s Acca Boost feature can increase your potential winnings by up to 50%!
Where can I watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK?
Mexico vs South Africa will be broadcast live on ITV1, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Mexico vs South Africa Preview
Recent results
Mexico arrive at the World Cup in great form, having won their previous three friendlies vs Ghana (2-0), Australia (1-0) and – most impressively – Serbia (5-1). However, the fact Javier Aguirre’s side have not played a competitive match since the 2-1 victory over the USA in last July’s CONCACAF Gold Cup final is something which could prove to be a small issue, particularly in the early stages of this tournament.
South Africa secured their spot in the World Cup at Nigeria’s expense, finishing top of a qualifying group with five wins from 10 matches. Bafana Bafana also reached the knockout stages of the recent AFCON competition, though eventually lost 2-1 to Cameroon in the Round of 16. South Africa beat Jamaica 1-0 in a friendly last Saturday, which followed a 0-0 draw with Nicaragua.
Head-to-head record
Mexico have won two of the four meetings with South Africa. The sides last met at the 2010 World Cup, a tournament which Bafana Bafana hosted, and the match finished 1-1 as Rafael Marquez cancelled out Siphiwe Tshabalala’s fabulous opening goal.
Team news
Mexico’s squad is headlined by Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, while 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora – who plays for Tijuana – is an exciting attacker to keep a close eye on.
The South Africa squad features a lot of players from the top teams in their domestic division, namely Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Hannover defender Ime Okon are also part of the roster.
Mexico vs South Africa Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Mexico are strong favourites on home soil at a price of 1.39. A victory for South Africa is at long odds of 7.90, while the draw is 4.40.
Mexico vs South Africa Betting Tips
Mexico to score over 1.5 goals @ 1.63
After their 5-1 victory over Serbia, we fancy Mexico to put on a bit of a show in front of a home crowd. El Tricolour scored over 1.5 goals in two of the last three matches, as well as three of the last six. If the hosts score early, it could be a long night for South Africa.
Anytime goalscorer – Raul Jimenez @ 2.20
Jimenez is the top scorer in the Mexico squad with 45 international goals, and he arrives at the World Cup on the back of a fairly good season in Fulham colours – netting nine times in the Premier League. With the veteran striker also on penalty duty for his country, the chances of him landing a decisive blow in the 2026 curtain raiser seem pretty high. And at better than evens, the odds look too good to turn down.
First half result – Mexico @ 1.90
We expect Mexico to start on the front foot here, as it will be nearly a week since the previous match against Serbia. Legs should be fresh and the crowd in full voice, so a first-half victory beckons for Mexico – a feat they achieved in each of the last four friendlies!
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