Mexico vs South Africa: What to Expect Before the World Cup Kickoff
As we get ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting football tournaments ever, SPORTbible has put together a handy guide to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Mexico is in great shape heading into Thursday’s game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. They are unbeaten in their last eight games, including wins over Serbia, Australia, and Ghana in friendlies. But will they continue their good run?
Will they finally break the ‘opening match curse’ and win their first game?
South Africa recently played a 1-1 friendly behind closed doors against Jamaica. They last won a match in December 2025, beating Zimbabwe 3-2 at AFCON. Despite losing three points for fielding a player who wasn’t eligible, they still finished ahead of Nigeria in qualifying.
Besides the football, fans waiting for the games can get involved with Operation Ladisfaction – a 24-hour hunt to find the moments fans want most. From online chats to conversations in the pub, this will help SPORTbible readers answer: “What would be the ultimate Ladisfaction today?”
South Africa
If history repeats itself like in 2010, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first World Cup goal, South African fans could be cheering ‘Laduma’ come Thursday.
It’s been a tough time for Lyle Foster, who scored only three goals in 27 games for Burnley last season. But he’s key for coach Hugo Broos in the weeks ahead. After missing a penalty in a recent 0-0 draw against Nicaragua, Broos said Foster needs to up his game for the opener against Mexico.
“I think he’s struggling a little now, but he’ll be okay,” said Broos. “Lyle needs confidence from us and to be in better shape physically.”
If Foster can match his AFCON form, where he had two goals and two assists, South Africa might have a real shot to get out of Group A.
Mexico
After a strong season at Fulham, where he scored 10 goals, Raul Jimenez will probably lead Mexico’s attack. The 35-year-old striker is third in Mexico’s all-time scoring list with 44 goals in 124 matches and has been in great form recently.
In 2025, he scored nine times in 14 games, including twice in both the CONCACAF Nations League semis and final. He also netted in last year’s Gold Cup final against the US.
“We want this World Cup to be one of the best in Mexican history,” Jimenez said. “We want to fight and give our best every game, starting with South Africa on June 11th.”
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora is seen as one of the most talented young midfielders in world football. If he plays this summer, he’ll be the sixth youngest player in World Cup history.
So, how good is Mora? “He’s very well-positioned, knows his role, and has no limits,” said coach Javier Aguirre after Mora debuted against Saudi Arabia last year. “He didn’t look out of place at all. He’s a real asset and eager to learn. His debut was excellent.”
In a LADnation survey with Ladbrokes, 25% of fans said they want to see an underdog team do well in North America, meaning many are backing South Africa to pull off an upset against Mexico. Also, 18% are excited to see Mora shine.
Our expert opinion? Mexico will be too strong for South Africa, who lack firepower on the wings. Playing at Estadio Azteca, with the home crowd behind them, Mexico should win comfortably, 3-0.
Unsurprisingly, Ladbrokes lists Mexico as favorites at 4/9, while South Africa’s chance to cause an upset is 13/2. A draw is 10/3.
Mexico and South Africa will kick off at 1pm local time on June 11, so UK fans can watch at 8pm BST.