The 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday evening at the iconic Estadio Azteca, delivering a nostalgic reversal of the opening fixture at the 2010 tournament.
Sixteen years after Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic strike united a nation and Rafael Marquez broke South African hearts to force a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg, the World Cup opener provides a nostalgic reversal of roles.
This time, South Africa are the visitors, stepping into the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca to face a Mexico side making history as the first nation to host the men's tournament three times.
Mexico arrive at the Azteca boasting serious momentum. Under the guidance of Javier Aguirre - who, incredibly, was also in charge for that 1-1 draw in 2010 - El Tri look vastly improved.
With a sell-out crowd of 83,000 demanding a victory to banish the ghosts of their Qatar 2022 group-stage exit, the stage is set for a great curtain-raiser.
South Africa, meanwhile, are struggling to find attacking rhythm under Hugo Broos, who has performed miracles to end Bafana Bafana’s 16-year World Cup exile, but a sluggish preparation window has left the Belgian publicly questioning his squad's mentality.
- Read More: World Cup Group A preview
Team news and lineups
Mexico
Javier Aguirre has a relatively settled squad, though he remains without goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon and midfielder Marcel Ruiz due to pre-tournament injuries.
The biggest narrative between the sticks is whether 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa will be handed the gloves to officially compete in a record-equalling sixth World Cup, or if Raul Rangel retains his starting berth.
Captain Edson Alvarez will anchor the defence alongside Cesar Montes, but a fascinating tactical decision awaits in midfield.
Aguirre must choose between the immense experience of Orbelin Pineda and Luis Chavez, or handing a baptism of fire to prodigious 17-year-old playmaker Gilberto Mora.
Up front, Fulham's Raul Jimenez is just one goal away from becoming Mexico's joint-second all-time top scorer, supported by the terrifying form of Julian Quinones, who recently secured the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 33 goals.
- Mexico predicted lineup (4-3-3): Rangel; Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Fidalgo, Lira, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
South Africa
South Africa arrive in North America navigating a few frustrating injury headaches. Wingers Thapelo Morena and Mohau Nkota missed the final squad entirely, placing a heavy creative burden on Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis.
Broos will be desperately hoping left-back Aubrey Modiba is fit enough to start following a hamstring issue, with uncapped Bradley Cross waiting in the wings.
The midfield engine room will be marshalled by Mamelodi Sundowns duo Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, tasked with shielding young centre-backs Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Ime Okon in front of captain Ronwen Williams. In attack, Burnley's Lyle Foster will lead the line.
- South Africa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Moremi, Zwane, Appollis; Foster
Mexico vs South Africa preview
Mexico have bypassed the rigours of CONCACAF qualification and successfully recovered from a post-Gold Cup hangover to hit their stride exactly when it matters. El Tri are unbeaten in eight friendlies this calendar year, pairing defensive solidity - six clean sheets - with an explosive 5-1 thrashing of Serbia just last week.
Aguirre’s side thrives on suffocating possession and using the width provided by Jesus Gallardo and Jorge Sanchez to stretch defensive blocks, allowing Quinones and Jimenez to isolate opposing centre-backs.
Conversely, South Africa’s qualification momentum has completely evaporated. Broos’s side are winless in four consecutive friendlies since their AFCON exit, managing only two goals against Panama, Nicaragua, and Jamaica.
Bafana Bafana are likely to sit in a deep, pragmatic block, attempting to absorb the inevitable early onslaught and quieten the 83,000-strong Azteca crowd. They will rely heavily on Foster’s ability to hold up play and draw fouls to relieve pressure.
However, the hosts are notoriously strong starters on this stage, having remained unbeaten in their last seven opening World Cup matches dating back to 1994.
Given South Africa's recent struggles in the final third and Mexico's watertight defensive record in 2026, it is incredibly difficult to see how the visitors generate enough sustained pressure to rattle an experienced Mexican backline.
Expect El Tri to dominate the ball from the first whistle, utilising their superior squad depth and the sheer emotion of the home crowd to eventually break down the South African resistance.
Mexico vs South Africa picks and predictions
- Mexico win to nil at 19/20 (1.95) with Bet365
- Under 2.5 goals at 7/10 (1.70) with bet105 - Tipped by Network Zone 2.5