World Cup 2026: Mexico vs South Africa Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday 11 June, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT. El Tri arrive as heavy favourites in front of their home crowd, while Hugo Broos and his South African team making their first World Cup appearance since 2010. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Mexico

In my opinion, Mexico are well placed to start this tournament with three points at the Azteca, where the altitude and atmosphere give them a clear edge. Javier Aguirre has put his faith in a balanced 4-3-3 with Raul Jimenez leading the line and Santi Gimenez providing a different threat off the bench, supported by the creativity of Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado. The squad is in solid shape with no major injury concerns, and Ochoa equalling the record for World Cup appearances adds further motivation. I expect Mexico to dominate possession and break South Africa down with patience.

Predicted Lineup: Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Alvarez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Vega.

South Africa

Hugo Broos has built South Africa into a disciplined, organised unit and from my point of view they will set up to defend deep in a compact 4-2-3-1, hoping to frustrate Mexico and break in transition through Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. Captain Ronwen Williams is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Africa and will be central to any chance of a result, while Teboho Mokoena anchors the midfield. The squad is largely intact with the bulk of the players based in the South African league, and I think they will be tough to break down for at least the first half hour. The challenge will be sustaining that shape against Mexico for 90 minutes.

Predicted Lineup: Williams; Mudau, Makhanya, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Foster.

Mexico have the quality, the home crowd at the Azteca, and the experience to win this opener with comfort. I expect Bafana Bafana to start well but eventually concede possession and chances to a settled Mexican side. My forecast: Mexico 2 South Africa 0.

BTTS: No (1.59)

I am backing Both Teams to Score: No, and my read on this is built on two clear strands. South Africa carry the bulk of their attacking burden through Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, neither of whom has a track record of scoring against top-tier defences on the road, and Broos will prioritise shape over chasing the game. Mexico, on the other hand, line up with a settled centre-back pairing in Montes and Vasquez behind a disciplined midfield screen. At 1.59 from Betway, BTTS: No is the cleanest value on the card and lines up neatly with my forecast of a controlled Mexico win to nil.