The 2026 World Cup will kick off with Mexico hosting South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium. The venue presents visiting teams with a physical challenge that dwarfs the altitude issues seen during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Sitting more than 2,200 metres above sea level, Mexico City’s altitude is far greater than the conditions experienced at many major tournaments. It adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating opening fixture.
With the eyes of the football world fixed on Mexico City for the tournament opener, El Tri will carry the weight of expectation. They will become the first nation to host World Cup matches across three different tournaments.
Mexico will be desperate to get off to a quick start, especially given the expected competitiveness of Group A. On paper, South Africa are the weakest of the four teams in the group. As a result, a win here is vital if Mexico are to top the group, as we predicted in our pre-tournament preview.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrive as massive underdogs. However, they have the chance to spoil the party before it even gets started in Mexico.
If they can get a result here, it would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds.
How to watch Mexico vs South Africa
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off at 20:00 BST on Thursday, June 11, at the Mexico City Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo and streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS, with select matches also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Mexico team news
Mexico are expected to lean heavily on the experience of Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez as they prepare for their World Cup opener against South Africa.
Jiménez remains the focal point in attack, while Giménez provides movement and penalty-box presence. If fit, Álvarez will be crucial in midfield. He offers leadership, defensive cover and control of the game’s tempo.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also brings invaluable tournament experience. He is set to play in a record sixth World Cup.
The main concern for Mexico centres on fitness. Álvarez is reportedly managing an ankle problem, while doubts remain over the availability of several key players.
If those absences continue, Javier Aguirre may need to rely on his squad depth earlier than expected against a South Africa side capable of punishing any lack of cohesion.
Mexico expected XI:
Mexico: Ochoa – Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo – Álvarez, Chávez, Pineda – Quiñones, Jiménez, Giménez.
South Africa team news
South Africa are likely to build around Lyle Foster, Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena as they prepare for a difficult World Cup opener against Mexico.
Foster remains their main attacking threat despite a disappointing season with Burnley. Meanwhile, Zwane provides creativity and experience in the final third.
Mokoena will be key in midfield, offering energy, ball progression and defensive balance. Hugo Broos will look to keep his side compact against the hosts.
Their biggest concern comes from tournament preparation. South Africa’s build-up has been disrupted by visa issues, which delayed their travel plans and reduced valuable acclimatisation time in Mexico.
While the squad is expected to be available, any lack of preparation could prove costly against a Mexico side backed by a passionate home crowd.
South Africa expected XI:
Williams – Mudau, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Modiba – Aubaas, Mokoena – Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi – Foster.
Mexico vs South Africa stats
- Mexico have lost just one of their four previous meetings with South Africa.
- The teams drew 1-1 in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup.
- Mexico are unbeaten in their last five matches.
- South Africa are playing in their first World Cup since 2010.
- Guillermo Ochoa could become the first Mexican to appear at six World Cups.
- Mexico have scored twice as many goals as South Africa in previous meetings (10-5).
Mexico vs South Africa prediction
The hosts will be looking to hit the ground running and will likely view this as the easiest of their three group games. A strong start and early momentum will be crucial.
With the home crowd behind them, it is hard to see anything other than a Mexico win.
Much has been made of Ochoa’s heroics at previous World Cups, but he may not have much to do in this game. Instead, Mexico’s attacking players are likely to decide the outcome.
From South Africa’s perspective, they will aim to stay compact and hope Foster can take any chances that come his way on the counter-attack.
It will be a tall order for South Africa to get anything from this match. As a result, a Mexico victory looks the most likely outcome.
A 3-0 win for the hosts would throw down the gauntlet to the rest of Group A and make the South Korea vs Czechia match an even more tense affair.
