The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here, and co-hosts Mexico kick off the tournament against South Africa in a blockbuster Group A opener at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM tonight, Thursday 11 June 2026.
Remarkably, this fixture is a direct repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa adding a layer of history and nostalgia to what promises to be a spectacular occasion. Check out the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 betting odds before kick-off and get your predictions in early.
Match Details
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- Match: Mexico vs South Africa
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- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A
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- Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026
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- Kick-off: 8:00 PM
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- Venue: Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico Team News
Manager Javier Aguirre is expected to name Raul Rangel in goal, ahead of veteran shot-stopper Guillermo Ochoa, in what would be a significant selection call for the co-hosts.
Up front, Raul Jimenez who recently completed a return to Wolves is set to lead the line ahead of AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez. In central midfield, Erik Lira could be preferred to captain Edson Alvarez, which would be another eye-catching selection from Aguirre.
Mexico Squad:
Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Raul Rangel (Chivas)
Defenders: Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar)
Midfielders: Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Orbelin Pineda (AEK)
Forwards: Alexis Vega (Toluca), Armando Gonzalez (Chivas), César Huerta (Anderlecht), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Julian Quinones (Al Qadisiyah), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan)
South Africa Team News
South Africa’s preparations have been slightly disrupted by an injury concern. Left-back Aubrey Modiba is back in training after a hamstring problem but remains a doubt to start. Samukele Kabini and uncapped Bradley Cross are both available to fill in if Modiba is not passed fit in time.
Manager Hugo Broos will be hoping his squad built largely around players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates can pull off a famous result against the tournament co-hosts.
South Africa Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Olwethy Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards: Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
World Cup 2026 Group A Overview
Group A is one of the most intriguing groups of the tournament. Alongside Mexico and South Africa, the group also features South Korea and Czech Republic. Mexico, as co-hosts, will be considered strong favorites to progress, but every team in this group will be targeting a place in the knockout rounds. View the full World Cup 2026 Group A fixtures and schedule to plan your bets across all upcoming matches.
Betting Tips & Prediction
Mexico carry the weight of the home crowd and the co-host advantage into this fixture. With quality throughout the squad and a partisan Azteca Stadium behind them, El Tri should have enough to secure a winning start to the tournament. However, South Africa showed in 2010 that they are capable of rising to the occasion on the biggest stage, and Bafana Bafana will not be easy to break down.
Prediction: Mexico 2–1 South Africa
Looking to back Mexico tonight? Browse the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 betting odds and find the best markets from match result and both teams to score, to first goal scorer and correct score bets.
Where to Watch Mexico vs South Africa
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM and is available live across major sports broadcasters. Check your local listings for coverage in your region.
