World Cup 2026: Mexico vs South Africa starting lineups – Milan’s Gimenez on the bench for opener | OneFootball

Mexico kick off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City tonight, with the hosts looking to make a statement on home soil in front of a capacity crowd of 87,000.

Milan striker Santiago Gimenez starts on the bench for El Tri, with Raul Jimenez leading the line from the off.

Meanwhile, Genoa’s Johan Vasquez starts in the centre of defence for the hosts.

There are no other notable Serie A connections in either starting lineup.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

World Cup 2026: Mexico vs South Africa Starting XIs

Mexico: Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira, Gutierrez, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quiñones.

South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Adams; Rayners, Foster.