Mexico City will look to kickstart their 2026 World Cup campaign in style when Mexico take on South Africa at Estadio Banorte in the tournament's opening match. As Mexico impressed in their last warm-up game, crushing Serbia 5-1, we predict a 2-0 home win. Backed by a passionate home crowd, El Tri will be determined to make a winning start after an encouraging series of warm-up performances. Mexico have been particularly impressive defensively, conceding just 0.4 goals per game and keeping seven clean sheets during that period. Fulham striker Raul Jimenez is expected to lead the attack, with the hosts boasting an expected goals-against figure of only 0.82.
South Africa, meanwhile, head into the match after a goalless draw with Nicaragua and will be hoping to spring an early surprise. Bafana Bafana have won 4 of their last 10 games in all competitions, with the team averaging 1.4 goals scored per match. Burnley forward Lyle Foster remains their key attacking threat. However, South Africa have struggled offensively away from home, failing to score in two of their last three road fixtures. While their defensive numbers are respectable, facing a confident Mexico side in front of a packed Mexico City crowd represents a significant challenge.
Mexico are in stronger form, possess greater squad depth, and enjoy home advantage in the opening match. Therefore, Home Win seems like a sure bet, alongside Raul Jimenez to Score and Under 3.5 goals (Mexico's matches average only 2.0 total goals, while South Africa are unlikely to take many risks early in the tournament).
This World Cup 2026 match will be played on Thursday 11 June 2026 at 20:00.
What is our Mexico vs South Africa prediction?
Our prediction for this match: Mexico 2 - 0 South Africa
Mexico vs South Africa Betting Tips
- Correct Score: 2-0 @ 500 Odds
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): No @ -225 Odds
- Over / Under 4.5 Goals: Under 4.5 Goals @ -1400 Odds
- Over / Under 3.5 Goals: Under 3.5 Goals @ -450 Odds
- Over / Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals @ -163 Odds
- Over / Under 1.5 Goals: Over 1.5 Goals @ -225 Odds
- Anytime Goalscorer: Raul Jimenez @ 125 Odds
- First Goalscorer: Raul Jimenez @ 350 Odds
- To be Booked: Sphephelo Sithole @ 162 Odds
- Asian Handicap: Mexico -1 @ -130 Odds
- European Handicap: South Africa +3 @ -600 Odds
- Shots on Target (Home): Over 4.5
- Shots on Target (Away): Under 2.5
- Shots on Target (Total): Over 4.5
- Total Corners: 6 - 8 @ 162 Odds
- Double Chance: 12 @ -550 Odds
- Draw No Bet: Mexico to Win @ -800 Odds
- Half Time/Full Time: Mexico to Win/Mexico to Win @ 120 Odds
- Clean Sheet: Mexico - Yes @ -150 Odds
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View OfferMexico Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | dlwwwddwww | 2.10 |
| Home | dlwddwww | 1.88 |
| Away | ww | 3.00 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 60% | 50% | 100% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.00 | 2.25 | 1.00 |
| Scored | 1.60 | 1.75 | 1.00 |
| Conceded | 0.40 | 0.50 | 0.00 |
| BTTS | 30% | 38% | 0% |
| Clean Sheets | 70% | 63% | 100% |
| Failed to Score | 20% | 25% | 0% |
| Expected Goals | 1.38 | 1.52 | 0.82 |
| Expected Goals Against | 0.82 | 0.82 | 0.85 |
South Africa Team Form and Stats
| Form | Results | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | dwwwlwldld | 1.50 |
| Home | wwwldld | 1.57 |
| Away | dlw | 1.33 |
| Stats | Overall | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win % | 40% | 43% | 33% |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.40 | 2.57 | 2.00 |
| Scored | 1.40 | 1.57 | 1.00 |
| Conceded | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| BTTS | 60% | 71% | 33% |
| Clean Sheets | 30% | 29% | 33% |
| Failed to Score | 30% | 14% | 67% |
| Expected Goals | 1.76 | 1.62 | 2.04 |
| Expected Goals Against | 0.73 | 0.68 | 0.84 |
Mexico vs South Africa Head to Head Statistics (H2H)
Mexico (0%)
1 Matches
South Africa (0%)
Mexico vs South Africa Past Results
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