Mexico vs South Africa predictions: Co-hosts to claim win in World Cup opener
James Milton
Mexico are unbeaten in eight friendly internationals in 2026, thrashing Serbia 5-1 last week
South Africa have not appeared at a World Cup since they hosted the finals in 2010
Recommended bet: Mexico to win 2-0 @ 22/5 with LiveScore Bet
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday as tournament co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
These two teams also met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, drawing 1-1 in Johannesburg, but Group A favourites Mexico should be confident of beating Bafana Bafana on home turf.
The latest Mexico vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Raul Rangel should start in goal for Mexico and Erik Lira is expected to be preferred to Edson Alvarez as the midfield anchor.
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez is set to lead the line, so AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez will start on the bench.
South Africa left-back Aubrey Modiba has returned to training after a hamstring injury.
Either Samukele Kabini or Bradley Cross could deputise for Modiba if he is not fit enough to start the Group A opener.
See the latest Mexico vs South Africa team news and line-ups
The stats
Mexico have lost only one of their last 11 internationals and El Tri have won five of their last eight matches to nil.
Mexico centre-back Johan Vasquez scored in each of his last three games for club and country.
South Africa have won only two of their nine matches at World Cup finals and have kept just two clean sheets in their last nine internationals.
Oswin Appollis has scored in six of his last 10 appearances for Bafana Bafana.
See previous head to head results between Mexico vs South Africa
The latest Mexico vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Mexico arrive at the 2026 World Cup in impressive form and the Group A favourites should make the most of home advantage against a limited South Africa side.
As co-hosts, El Tri did not need to qualify for this summer's tournament, but they have been mixing in good company in recent friendlies.
Mexico have won six of their eight internationals this year and the exceptions were creditable draws against Portugal (0-0) and Belgium (1-1).
They restricted the European sides to just two shots on target apiece and have conceded only two goals in eight games in 2026.
One of those goals was Petar Stanic's opener for Serbia last Friday, but Mexico roared back to win 5-1, providing a timely confidence boost for Javier Aguirre's side.
Nerves are bound to be a factor as El Tri kick off the tournament in front of their own fans, but a 2-0 Mexico win appeals in the correct score market.
South Africa warmed up for the finals with a goalless draw against Nicaragua and a scrappy 1-0 win over Jamaica and they face a significant step up in class in Mexico City.
Bafana Bafana pipped Nigeria to top spot in their World Cup qualifying group, but they had a patchy Africa Cup of Nations campaign, losing 1-0 to Egypt in the group stage and 2-1 to Cameroon in the round of 16.
Star striker Lyle Foster scored only three Premier League goals during a difficult season with Burnley and South Africa may struggle to hurt the Mexican defence.
Score Prediction: Mexico 2-0 South Africa
Back Mexico to win 2-0, available at 22/5 with LiveScore Bet
Follow the Mexico vs South Africa live score
See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and tables.
More World Cup 2026 news and predictions from LiveScore
