The long wait is over, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday night as co-hosts Mexico face South Africa in Mexico City.
This will be a historic opener, as it is the first time in FIFA World Cup history that the first match of the tournament is a repeat of a previous edition. Mexico and South Africa also met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, where they played out a 1-1 draw.
Sixteen years have passed since then, but Mexico still hold the record for the most World Cup matches played without winning the trophy, having featured in 60 games at the tournament. They are also unbeaten in their last seven World Cup opening fixtures, a run stretching back to 1994.
Mexico come into this year’s tournament as strong favourites to finish top of Group A, which also includes Czech Republic and South Korea.
They now welcome a South African side appearing at the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time. For Bafana Bafana, this tournament represents their long-awaited return to the global stage after last featuring as hosts in 2010.
Hugo Broos’ team have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup, and changing that record will be their main objective at this edition. However, with no victories in their last five matches, South Africa will need a major improvement if they are to make an impact on the world stage.
The South Africans can take encouragement from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last two meetings with Mexico. That record should give them belief as they look to start their campaign with a positive result. Can Bafana Bafana stun the hosts on opening night?
We preview both teams ahead of kickoff and give our predicted outcome.
Mexico vs South Africa
Guillermo Ochoa, goalie of the Mexican national soccer team, raises the Mexican national flag during the flag-raising ceremony at the High-Performance Center (CAR) before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Africa, on June 8, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carlos Santiago/Eyepix Group/NurPhoto) (Photo by Eyepix / NurPhoto via AFP)
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
Mexico head into the opening game without any major injury worries and are expected to name their strongest available starting XI. Defender Johan Vasquez has been in excellent scoring form, netting three goals in his last three appearances, and is set to start alongside Jorge Sanchez.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is taking part in a record sixth World Cup, is also in the squad and is expected to start.
Edson Alvarez and Luis Chavez are likely to play key roles in the Mexican midfield, while Santiago Gimenez gives the hosts another strong attacking option in the final third.
Julian Quinones is expected to lead the line for Mexico.
South Africa’s forward Oswin Appollis (C) takes part in a training session with teammates at Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, Mexico on June 3, 2026, ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by YURI CORTEZ / AFP)
For South Africa, Aubrey Modiba is the main fitness concern as he continues to recover from an injury that could rule him out of the opening match.
Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane have all been named in the squad after strong club campaigns.
Foster is expected to start alongside Percy Tau, whose experience will be important for Bafana Bafana.
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Mexico vs South Africa head-to-head and current form
Mexico arrive in strong form, carrying an eight-match unbeaten run into the tournament. Their last defeat came in a 2-1 friendly loss to Paraguay in November 2025. They have also won each of their last three games, scoring eight goals and conceding only once.
South Africa, meanwhile, are still searching for a win after five matches without victory. Their most recent outings ended in draws against Nicaragua and Jamaica.
The two countries have met three times before. Both sides have won once, while the other meeting finished in a 1-1 draw.
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
World Cup opening matches often deliver drama, with the excitement of the tournament finally spilling onto the pitch. Mexico have shown that they carry a real goal threat, but they are up against a South African team capable of being organised and difficult to break down.
Playing at home should give Mexico a clear advantage, but this is unlikely to be an easy night against Bafana Bafana.
Prediction – Over 1.5 goals – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
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