Mexico v South Africa prediction and preview ahead of WC opener
As we get ready for what is expected to be one of the most entertaining tournaments in football history, SPORTbible has created an insider guide to the opening game between Mexico and South Africa.
Mexico are in great form heading into Thursday's game at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. They are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak, which includes friendly wins over Serbia, Australia and Ghana. But how will their fortunes fall?
Will they break the ‘opening match curse’ and win an opening game?
South Africa, meanwhile, played out a 1-1 draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Jamaica on Saturday. They last won a game in December 2025, a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe at AFCON, but a strong qualifying campaign saw them finish ahead of Nigeria, despite being deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.
The pitch highlights aside, fans wanting to get in on any action in the run-up to the games will be pleased to hear about Operation Ladisfaction - a 24-hour hunt for the moments fans most want.
From comment sections to chats and discussions in the pub, Operation Ladisfaction will help SPORTbible readers answer one question: ‘What would be the ultimate Ladisfaction today?’.
The players to watch out for
South Africa
If history repeats itself from 2010 when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal of the World Cup, then South African supporters will be screaming ‘Laduma’ on Thursday.
There’s no denying it’s been a rough campaign for Lyle Foster, who scored just three goals in 27 games for Burnley across the 2025-26 campaign, but the striker will be crucial for Hugo Broos' side in the coming weeks.
After he missed a penalty in a recent 0-0 draw against Nicaragua, Broos admitted the 25-year-old needs to up his game ahead of Thursday's opener against Mexico.
"I think that he's struggling now a little bit, but he will be ok," said the South Africa manager. "I think Lyle needs a bit of confidence from our side, and also a little bit better physical condition."
If Foster manages to replicate his form from AFCON, where he recorded two goals and two assists, then South Africa could have a great chance of getting out of Group A.
Mexico
After a productive season at Premier League side Fulham, where he scored 10 goals in all competitions, Raul Jimenez will likely lead the line for hosts Mexico. The 35-year-old striker, who ranks third on Mexico's all-time scoring list with 44 goals in 124 games, has been in superb form for his country of late.
In 2025 alone, he netted nine times across 14 matches, including two in both the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals and final. He also scored in last year's Gold Cup final against the United States.
"We want to remember it as being one of the best World Cups in Mexican history," Jimenez recently said. "We want to fight. We want to give our best in every game, from the start of the first game against South Africa on the 11th of June."
The wonderkid to watch out for
At the age of 17, Mexico's Gilberto Mora is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in world football. He will become the sixth youngest player in the competition's history if he features for Javier Aguirre's side this summer.
So, just how good is Mora? “He’s incredibly well-positioned, understands his role, and he’s got no ceiling," said Aguirre last year, after the Tijuana midfielder made his debut against Saudi Arabia.
"This kid is on the national team and didn’t look out of place for a second. He’s a real asset, and hopefully he keeps progressing. You can tell he’s eager to learn, and for now, he’s passed his debut with flying colours."
Who will come out on top?
As part of our LADnation Survey with Ladbrokes, we spoke to people who will be tuning into the games from home. In total, 25% of fans want to see an underdog nation exceed expectations in North America, meaning many of those will be backing South Africa to pull off an upset against Mexico. Of those we spoke to, 18% are eager to see a breakthrough from Mora.
Our take as experts? Mexico will ultimately prove too strong for 2010 hosts South Africa, who have a distinct lack of firepower in wide areas. The sound of those inside the Estadio Azteca will prove to be Mexico's 12th man. A comfortable 3-0 win for the hosts.
Unsurprisingly, the hosts are the strong favourite with Ladbrokes at 4/9, while South Africa have been given a 13/2 chance of pulling off an upset. A draw is currently on the market at 10/3.
The clash between Mexico and South Africa will kick off at 1pm local time on June 11, meaning UK viewers can watch the match at 8pm BST.
Jack Kenmare