Mexico vs South Africa – Who can start the World Cup with a win!

The World Cup begins in Mexico as two teams that have hosted the World Cup before play each other, following on from what should be an exciting opening ceremony. We are going to give you a Mexico vs South Africa prediction in the following article. This match is the curtain raiser to the month-long festival of football and both sides look to open their campaigns with a victory. We will investigate team news, form, and World Cup history to give you a good feel for the match.

In terms of historical World Cup finals performances from these two teams; Mexico are a World Cup regular and has only ever missed 5 finals tournaments out of 23. Despite this they have never managed to go further than the quarter-finals. South Africa has only made 3 W|C final appearances previously. They have never managed to go beyond the group stage.

This is the third time that Mexico have hosted a World Cup. It will also be the third time they have played the opening match at a World Cup. They have never won an opening game; they drew 0-0 with the Soviet Union in 1970 and 1-1 with South Africa in the 2010 edition.  This match will offer a rerun of that game, the only time South Africa played in the World Cup opener. Back then in a nervy match, South Africa took a 1-0 lead before Mexico equalised in the 70th minute to earn the draw.

Latest Mexico vs South Africa Team News

Witrh the World Cup still so far away, it’s hard to give any immediate up-to-date Mexico vs South Africa team news at this stage. Keep in check with our World Cup odds and news sections during the event for more information nearer the time.

Mexico

Having qualified as co-hosts, we need to look at Mexico’s results in the recent CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup for their current Form rather than qualifying. This shows the team in great Health as they were champions in both those tournaments! They beat Panama 2-1 in the Nations League Final in March 2025, after a comfortable 6-0 aggregate win over Honduras in the semi-finals. They beat the United States by the same score in July 2025 as well in the Gold Cup final after wins over the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Saudi Arabia and Honduras. The only team to stop them from winning was Costa Rica, who held them to a 0-0 draw in the group stage.

South Africa

Bafana Bafana as they are known by fans, qualified for the World Cup by topping a tight group, just one point ahead of seeds Nigeria.  Their only other defeat in was a 2-0 loss to Rwanda. They held Nigeria to two 1-1 draws but won every other game at home and away apart from a 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe. They were also penalised with a loss despite a 2-0 win over Lesotho, for fielding an ineligible player. South Africa have also qualified for the upcoming 2026 AFCON tournament. This came after topping a group with Uganda, Congo and the South Sudan and staying unbeaten in all 6 games played.

Mexico vs South Africa- Possible Line Ups

The following is based on both sides fielding their stronger current XI for the match, which they will both be desperate to win for the best chance to make the knockout stages.

Mexico play a 4-3-3 formation using the midfield as the main pivot for their attacking intent. They employ high pressure without the ball and use a strong passing style. They rely on quick 1,2’s and utilise their wingers for swift attacks down the flanks.

Key players are captain Edson Álvarez, forward Santiago Giménez, and San Diego winger Hirving Lozano.

South Africa plays a 3-5-2 formation also using pace down the wings for their attacks whilst keeping a packed defensive unit. Their style is a vibrant forward-looking one and makes them fun to watch for neutrals.

South Africa’s key players are goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, the Premier League star with Burnley, Lyle Foster and youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who plays in defence.

Mexico –

• GK: L.Malagon
• DEF: J. Sanchez, C.Montes, J. Vasquez, J.Gallardo
• MID: M.Ruiz, E.Alavarez, G.Mora
• FOR: R.Alvarado, R.Jimenez, H.Lozenzo

South Africa-

• GK: R.Williams
• DEF: E.Mokwana, K.Mudau, S.Ngezana
• MID: T.Mokoena, A.Modiba, T.Zwane, Y.Sithole, M.Mvala
• FOR: I.Rayners, P.Tau

Where to watch Mexico vs South Africa

There are several official viewing partners for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, and almost every national broadcaster will be covering matches during the tournament. The opening ceremony and opening match is always particularly well covered and you will likely be able to watch this anywhere you are in the world. You can also find some bookmakers that will stream this game. You can also find live text commentary on the FIFA website and many other sites, including the BBC.

You won’t struggle to find somewhere to watch Mexico vs South Africa!

My Prediction for Mexico vs South Africa

So now we move on to the full Mexico vs South Africa prediction and your final Mexico vs South Africa betting tips for use in this upcoming game.

Opening matches are often almost as nervy as the World Cup Final itself, and they have seen some major upsets down the years. Argentina lost to Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal beat France in 2002, for example. However, I think, roared on by home support in the huge arena in Mexico City the Mexicans will win this one comfortably. However, I do think South Africa will grab a goal, that’s why I’m looking at a both teams to score YES wager on this match.