Mexico Takes on South Africa in World Cup Clash: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

Good news, soccer fans—the wait is over. The 2026 World Cup has officially begun.

After years of buildup, the world's greatest football tournament has returned. On Thursday, co-host Mexico takes on 2010 host South Africa—mirroring the opening match from 16 years ago—in the tournament opener at the legendary Estadio Azteca, the venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals.

Here's everything you need to know about the match, including expected lineups and viewing information.

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Mexico vs. South Africa Score Prediction

Mexico Ease to Victory

There are several reasons why Mexico should cruise through this contest.

For starters, El Tri are the superior team on paper, with quality throughout the squad—from experienced defender Edson Álvarez, to Atlético Madrid youngster Obed Vargas in central midfield and Raúl Jiménez spearheading the attack.

South Africa, while not to be underestimated, lack comparable quality, with the majority of their players competing in the domestic South African Premiership.

Additionally, Mexico come into this match in excellent form. In their last three pre-tournament friendlies, Javier Aguirre's side defeated Ghana 2–0, Australia 1–0, and hammered Serbia 5–1. South Africa, by contrast, were held to draws by both Jamaica and Nicaragua—two nations that won't be competing at this World Cup.

On top of that, Mexico enjoy home advantage. Performing on home turf in front of a packed, largely Mexican crowd gives El Tri a significant boost—something South Africa will recall vividly after earning a surprising 1–1 draw against Mexico in the 2010 World Cup opener in Johannesburg.

This is the World Cup, and upsets are always possible—but it's hard to see any outcome other than a Mexico victory.

Prediction: Mexico 3–1 South Africa

Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. South Africa

Mexico have navigated some injury worries in the lead-up to the World Cup, but thankfully for El Tri, those concerns appear to have cleared up, leaving Javier Aguirre with a complete squad at his disposal.

The central defensive partnership of César Montes and Johan Vásquez is expected to start, with skipper Edson Álvarez sitting in front of them as the base of what the coach has called the "safety triangle."

He is likely to be partnered in midfield by Real Betis standout Álvaro Fidalgo, while Raúl Jiménez—Mexico's third-highest scorer of all time—will almost certainly lead the attack, most likely with Alexis Vega on the left and Roberto Alvarado on the right.

Mexico predicted lineup vs. South Africa (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Mora, Álvarez, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jiménez, Vega.

South Africa Predicted Lineup vs. Mexico

Hugo Broos's South Africa typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing organization and balance, with a double pivot in midfield, wide players stretching the play, and a creative midfielder operating behind a single striker.

Captain Ronwen Williams is the clear number one between the posts and will start, while the defensive line in front of him is expected to include Ime Okon and Aubrey Modiba as the central pairing.

In the middle of the park, Teboho Mokoena is expected to fill a holding role, likely partnered with Sphephelo Sithole.

Further up the pitch, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster—the team's main attacking outlet—are established starters and expected to be influential in the attacking third.

South Africa predicted lineup vs. Mexico (4-2-3-1): Williams; Muadu, Okon, Makhanya, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Moremi, Zwane, Appollis; Foster.

What Time Does Mexico vs. South Africa Kick Off?

How to Watch Mexico vs. South Africa on TV, Live Stream

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Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.