Mexico Set to Make Statement in World Cup Opener Against South Africa

After years of waiting, the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway with Mexico taking on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11 at 8pm BST.

This fixture carries historical weight—it's a mirror image of the 2010 tournament opener, when South Africa hosted Mexico and Siphiwe Tshabalala's opener was cancelled out by Rafael Marquez. Now, 16 years on, these nations renew acquaintances on Mexican soil.

For South Africa, this represents their first World Cup appearance since that 2010 campaign. Mexico, meanwhile, has featured in the last two tournaments, reaching the last 16 in both 2014 and 2018 before a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022.

Team News and Selection Headaches

Mexico's preparations have been disrupted by injury. Luis Malagon's absence has paved the way for 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa to potentially make a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, though Raul Rangel is expected to start after a solid pre-tournament showing with just one goal conceded across three friendlies.

The bigger blow comes in midfield, where Marcel Ruiz misses out entirely. The player suffered a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear in March and, despite delaying surgery to chase World Cup selection, was ultimately omitted from Javier Aguirre's 26-man squad.

Up front, Raul Jimenez—fresh from leaving Fulham—leads the line ahead of Santiago Gimenez. Mexico also boast the tournament's youngest player in 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora.

South Africa have concerns of their own. Aubrey Modiba, their first-choice left-back, missed recent friendlies with a hamstring injury sustained during the CAF Champions League final first leg but has returned to training and should be available. Burnley's Lyle Foster will spearhead the attack after scoring in their final warm-up fixture against Jamaica, having missed a penalty against Nicaragua.

How to Watch

ITV1 will broadcast the match in the UK, with coverage beginning at 6.15pm to include the opening ceremony. BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT both offer full commentary.

Form and Expectations

Mexico arrive in formidable shape, boasting six wins and two draws from eight matches in 2026, including a commanding 5-1 demolition of Serbia in their final preparation. South Africa, by contrast, haven't won a game this year and have struggled for goals, managing just four in their last five outings.

The hosts should dominate proceedings. Mexico's defensive stability paired with South Africa's blunt attacking edge suggests a comfortable home victory, with the odds heavily backing El Tri at 4/9. A repeat of the 2010 draw sits at 18/5, while South Africa's chances are a distant 17/2.

Brian Gutierrez, the 22-year-old Chivas midfielder, has been a standout performer throughout Mexico's preparations, scoring against Ghana and assisting in the Serbia win. He looks primed for another influential display.