The wait is finally over as we gear up for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa on Thursday night in Mexico City.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the opening fixture is a repeat of a prior edition. Both these teams played out to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Plenty has happened in 16 years but Mexico still hold the record for the most matches played in a World Cup (60) without ever lifting the trophy. They are also unbeaten in their last seven tournament openers since 1994.
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However, Mexico are hot favorites to win Group A at this year’s World Cup. Czech Republic and South Korea are the two other teams in the group.
They host a South African side who are competing in their fourth ever World Cup. This edition marks their return to the global showpiece since they hosted it 16 years ago in 2010.
Hugo Broos’ side have never made it past the group stage of the World Cup, with this being their sole goal ahead of this highly anticipated edition. With no win from their last five outings, South Africa will need to be at their best if they are to improve on their performances at the global stage.
The South Africans have not lost to Mexico in their last two outings and can carry that confidence in the hope of a positive opening night result. Can Bafana Bafana upset the hosts here?
We have a look at both sides ahead of kickoff and offer our predicted outcome.
Betway
What time does Mexico vs South Africa start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the Estadio Banorte.
Mexico vs South Africa team news
The hosts do not have any main injury concerns ahead of the game and will field their strongest available XI. Defender Johan Vasquez has scored three goals in his last three games and will start alongside Jorge Sanchez.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is competing in a record sixth World Cup, is also part of the squad and will start.
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Edson Alvarez and Luis Chavez will be the key components of the Mexican midfield, with Santiago Gimenez providing extra attacking options up front.
Julian Quinones will be trusted with leading the attacking line for the hosts.
For South Africa, Aubrey Modiba is the biggest concern as he continues to nurse an injury that may keep him out of the opening game.
Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane were all included in the national team after exemplary performances for their clubs throughout the season.
Foster is set to be handed a start alongside Percy Tau, who brings experience to the Bafana Bafana side.
Mexico vs South Africa head-to-head and current form
The hosts bring an eight-match unbeaten run into this game, not losing since a 2-1 friendly defeat to Paraguay in November 2025. Mexico have also won all of their last three games, scoring eight times and conceding just once.
They face a South Africa side who are without a win in their last five outings. Their most recent matches were a pair of draws against Nicaragua and Jamaica.
These nations have faced each other three times in their history – with each winning once and the other resulting in a 1-1 stalemate.
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Current form:
Mexico – WWWDD
South Africa – DDLDL
Mexico vs South Africa previous games
- South Africa 1-1 Mexico (June 11, 2010)
- South Africa 2-1 Mexico (July 9, 2005)
- Mexico 4-2 South Africa (June 7, 2000)
Mexico vs South Africa prediction
The opening match of the World Cup is known to produce fireworks to culminate the anticipation of the most watched global spectacle. The Mexicans have shown their ability to score goals but they face a rather resolute South African defense.
Home advantage will definitely play a key role for Mexico but it is not expected to be a straightforward victory against the South Africans.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals
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