Mexico vs South Africa: World Cup preview, predictions and bet builder tips

• Fixture: Mexico vs South Africa

• Competition: World Cup group stage (Group A)

• Date: Thursday, 11 June, 2026

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Mexico City Stadium

Our prediction: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Mexico

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Rangel / Sanchez, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo / Lira, Fidalgo / Gutierrez, Mora, Quinones / Jimenez

South Africa

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Williams / Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba / Mokoena, Sithole / Appollis, Zwane, Moremi / Foster

As is so often the case with World Cup openers, we're expecting Mexico vs South Africa to be quite a cagey affair in the North American heat, with all eyes on the Mexico City Stadium - but once nerves settle, we think Mexico will show their class and score over 1.5 goals.

Favourites to win Group A, Mexico will see this as the perfect opportunity to get their home World Cup campaign off to the ideal start, with South Africa the lowest ranked team in the group - by some way, too. The likes of Raul Jimenez and Gilberto Mora - one of our players to watch this summer - bring quality that South Africa will struggle to contain, so goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is likely to have a busy afternoon in the Mexican capital.

With Mexico scoring at least once in eight of their last nine matches, we're tipping El Tricolor to continue that hot streak here, scoring over 1.5 goals.

The standout name in South Africa's relatively unknown squad, Burnley's Lyle Foster brings some much needed Premier League class to the table - and at the heart of all his side's attacks, we're backing him to have at least one shot on target in the World Cup opener.

With three goals in England's top flight this term, Foster has proven he can compete against the very best, and despite Mexico likely dominating the ball, his pace and directness could cause the co-hosts a mountain of problems. The 25-year-old averaged well over a shot per 90 in the Premier League for a struggling Burnley side in the 2025/26 season, and will be crucial if his side are to get anything here - in what will probably be their toughest game in Group A.

He's up against it from the off, but on a stage that is ready-made for upsets, we're tipping Lyle Foster to have 1+ shots on target against Mexico.

Moving over to the cards markets, and the third pick of our Mexico vs South Africa bet builder is for Jesus Gallardo to pick up a booking, with the experienced left-back being cautioned in one of the biggest matches of his career.

The 31-year-old has previously played in two World Cups for his country, representing Mexico in 2018 and 2022, but in front of a roaring home crowd, his front-footed defensive style could bite him. With an average of almost two fouls committed per 90 in the Liga MX Clausura, Gallardo is never too far away from overstepping the mark, and with more than two tackles won per game, the Toluca defender certainly isn't going to hold back - but it's a dangerous approach.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio could be in for a busy day, and in a full-blooded affair, we're predicting that Jesus Gallardo will be shown a card.

Rounding off our Mexico vs South Africa preview & predictions, Ladbrokes is tipping co-hosts Mexico to kick-off their World Cup campaign in style, seeing off South Africa and jumping straight to the top of Group A - where they will intend on staying.

The balance and depth of Javier Aguirre's squad should prove too strong for their visitors, with top-level experience in every department across the pitch, and playing in their own capital city, they have an immediate advantage over any side they face - which may well prove vital as the tournament progresses.

Anything other than a win in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup will be a disappointment for Mexico, with El Tricolor reaching the quarter-finals in both of their previous home tournaments - and we think they'll grab all three points here to secure the perfect start.

You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.