Mexico vs South Africa: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds | OneFootball

The latest edition of the World Cup will open with a nostalgic fixture

After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup will finally get underway on Thursday as Mexico host South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico bear the mantle of host for the first time since 1970 and have a familiar face in the dugout in Javier Aguirre, who is in his third stint with the team. He has one clear goal - ending El Tri’s 40-year wait to win a World Cup knockout match.

Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since they hosted it 16 years ago, and are looking to escape the group stage for the first time in their history.

The match will of course be preceded by the opening ceremony, which this year will include performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, along with various other Latin American musicians.

El Jefe: Javier Aguirre,

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Date, kick-off time and venue

Mexico vs South Africa is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Where to watch Mexico vs South Africa for FREE

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7.50pm ahead of an 8pm kick-off.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.

Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and their websites.

Mexico vs South Africa team news

There is a decision to be made in goal for Mexico after the veteran Guillermo Ochoa earned a late call-up to the squad, but he is not expected to unseat established No1 Raul Rangel.

Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the line despite being released by Fulham on Monday afternoon.

Holding midfield will be an area to watch after Edson Alvarez was knocked down to the bench for El Tri’s final pre-tournament friendly against Serbia, with Erik Lira taking his place.

Mexico squad: Raul Rangel, Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez, Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutiérrez, Orbelín Pineda, Edson Álvarez, Gilberto Mora, César Huerta, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chávez, Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Gimenez, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Raúl Jiménez

Benched: Edson Alvarez

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South Africa’s team news has been effectively kept under wraps after they opted to play their final warm-up fixture against Jamaica behind closed doors. All that is known of the match is that Burnley striker Lyle Foster scored their only goal in a 1-1 draw, and he is duly expected to keep his place up top here.

Tshepang Moremi is a relatively inexperienced but popular choice on the left flank, while Teboho Mokoena should get the nod in midfield despite the role he played in a scandal during qualifying, where he played despite being suspended.

Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper Ronwen Williams, 34, impressed throughout AFCON and World Cup qualifying and will keep his place.

South Africa squad: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko

Brick wall: Ronwen Williams

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Mexico vs South Africa prediction

This clash between two perennial World Cup underperformers is something of an underwhelming start to the summer, but with the world watching, it will surely produce drama.

South Africa will benefit from having played together a bit more regularly than their opponents, with AFCON still relatively fresh in the memory, and will hope to lean on that chemistry here without an orchestra of vuvuzelas to egg them on.

Mexico, though, will have them beat for squad quality and depth, and Bafana Bafana will have a mountain to climb playing in one of the most hostile environments in the sport.

Mexico to win, 2-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

This meeting will be the first between these two sides since they met in the curtain-raiser of the 2010 World Cup. That match ended 1-1, with Siphiwe Tshabalala on target for the hosts before Rafa Márquez equalised for the visitors.

Mexico wins: 2

South Africa wins: 1

Draws: 1

Goal for all Africa: Siphiwe Tshabalala

AFP via Getty Images

Mexico vs South Africa match odds

Mexico to win: 4/11

South Africa to win: 13/2

Draw: 11/4

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