Preview: Mexico vs South Africa â latest news, line-ups, absences (11/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opening fixture
The wait is almost over: the 2026 World Cup finally kicks off on Thursday night when co-hosts Mexico get things underway in their opening group game against South Africa at 20:00 BST. For football fans around the globe, this is when the fun starts, the moment everyone has been waiting for, a month-long festival of football is about to begin.
There is always something special about opening games and they draw large audiences with everyone anxious to witness the first roll of the ball in the tournament. These two teams are well-acquainted with the pomp, ceremony and excitement of the opening fixture, having met in 2010 in Johannesburg to kick off the World Cup in South Africa. Siphiwe Tshabalalaâs opening goal and celebration for the hosts has become iconic; in Mexico City on Thursday there is a chance for a new hero, someone different to write their name into football history.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Mexico are the firm favourites for this game at the legendary Estadio Azteca, the first stadium in history to open three World Cups, and they come into the game in good form. Javier Aguirreâs side are on an eight-match unbeaten run and come into the tournament high on confidence, winning their last three games and beating Serbia 5-1 in their final warm-up game.
South Africa are ranked 45 places below the co-hosts and have only won one of their last five games. Their final preparation friendly was a disappointing 0-0 draw with Nicaragua.
Mexico
Aguirre has no injury concerns as the tournament gets underway. There had previously been some concerns about the fitness of wonderkid Gilberto Mora as the 17-year-old has suffered with pubalgia this season, but he returned for the final four games of the club season for Tijauana and came off the bench in all three of Mexicoâs recent friendlies.
South Africa
South Africa are back on the world stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. They finished their preparations with a behind-closed doors 1-1 draw with Jamaica, with their goal coming from Burnleyâs Lyle Foster, who is expected to start on Thursday. The only injury concern appears to be Audrey Modiba, who has returned to training after several weeks on the sidelines.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
These two nationsâ only previous meeting came in that aforementioned iconic game back in 2010. There is something poetic about their meeting again in the same circumstances, only with the roles reversed, 16 years later.
Previous meetings:
- 11/06/2010: South Africa 1-1 Mexico (FIFA World Cup)
Predicted line-ups
Thursday presents a chance for history to be made, with the eyes of the world on these two teams. Many international fans will be hoping for a glimpse of the youngest player at the tournament, but Gilberto Mora is expected to start on the bench. As is his teammate, Guillermo Ochoa, the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who will be hoping to appear in a record sixth World Cup.
| Position |  – Mexico |  – South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper (GK) | Rangel | Goss |
| Defenders (DF) |
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| Midfielders (CENTRE) |
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| Forwards (FOR) |
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Tactical analysis: Can South Africa frustrate the hosts?
Mexico are likely to dominate possession and territory, particularly with the backing of a packed Azteca crowd. Aguirre’s side have looked organised defensively in recent friendlies and will seek to control the tempo through midfield before feeding experienced striker RaĂșl JimĂ©nez.
South Africa’s best route to success may be through defensive compactness and quick transitions. Hugo Broos has built a side that works hard out of possession and could look to exploit any nervousness from the hosts in what is the opening game of the entire tournament.
Altitude could also play a role. Mexico City sits over 2,200 metres above sea level, a factor that may favour the hosts over the course of 90 minutes.
Key players to watch
Key to both sidesâ chances of success could be two familiar faces to fans of English football, with Mexico and South Africa being spearheaded by RaĂșl JimĂ©nez and Lyle Foster respectively.
RaĂșl JimĂ©nez (Mexico)
Jiménez has just been released by Fulham but his experience is invaluable to the Mexico squad as one of three players with over 100 caps. His goals will be key to their chances of progression.
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Burnley striker Foster has 10 goals in 26 caps for his country and will be asked to lead the line for the Bafana Bafana. Chances might be few and far between so he will need to be clinical if South Africa are to cause a surprise.
Where to watch Mexico vs South Africa in the UK and Ireland
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 20:00 BST on Thursday, 11 June 2026 at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City and serves as the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV and ITVX, with coverage beginning at 6:15pm BST and including the tournament opening ceremony.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live on RTĂ platforms as part of the broadcaster’s coverage of all 104 World Cup matches, and can also be streamed via RTĂ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
Mexico are clear favourites to begin the tournament with a victory. Current odds imply approximately a 66% chance of a Mexico win, compared to around 13% for South Africa, while the draw is rated at roughly 21%. Markets also suggest a near 50% probability of over 2.5 goals being scored.
In the goalscorer markets, RaĂșl JimĂ©nez is among the most likely players to find the net first, while defender Johan VĂĄsquez has attracted interest in the anytime scorer market following his recent goal threat from set-pieces.
Prediction
Mexico will be keen to impress the home crowd and JimĂ©nez at 35 will feel this is probably his last chance on the big stage. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez to score and Mexico to win 2-0 would be my safe prediction, but Johan VĂĄsquez to score anytime at around 8/1 would be very tempting.
đ You can check out the full prediction here.
