Mexico vs South Africa Tips, World Cup Predictions & Odds
Lewis Watson 
Scott McGlynn
Here we go again.
After years of talking, the football at the 2026 World Cup finally gets underway on Thursday evening, in what is a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser between Mexico and South Africa.
It was Siphiwe Tshabalala who stole the headlines 16 years ago, putting the hosts 1-0 up before Mexican legend Rafael Marquez levelled things up to finish 1-1.
It’s Mexico that play hosts in 2026 — alongside the USA and Canada — and they enter their home tournament in decent form. Six wins and two draws from their last eight encounters — against a good mix of African, European, South American and Asian opponents — sees them start as a big favourite in their Group A opener, as they look to end their record of playing 60 matches in World Cups without lifting the trophy.
Fulham’s (now former) talisman, Raul Jimenez, is also Mexico’s. He’s bagged 46 goals in 125 appearances for the national side, and hopes will rest on his shoulders for a positive campaign.
South Africa are back at the top table for the first time since hosting in 2010. They topped a decent Nigeria side in qualification, but have since gone five without a win in preparation, struggling against Panama, Cameroon, Nicaragua and Jamaica.
Success for South Africa at the World Cup would be an escape from the group stages for the first time in their history.
Let’s take a look at three betting tips for Thursday’s World Cup curtain-raiser, plus the top World Cup free bets currently available.
Mexico vs South Africa Tips
Here are our top three World Cup betting tips and the best free bets ahead of the opening game of the tournament.
Tip 1: Mexico to win to nil
If South Africa are to progress from Group A at the World Cup, they will probably be targeting South Korea and Czechia for points. That’s not to suggest that Mexico are the standout favourites, but playing the hosts in the opener is no easy task — especially in the football hotbed of Mexico City.
South Africa’s recent form suggests they will struggle to dent the Mexican backline, scoring just four in their last five games against limited opposition.
Mexico have the form, the fans, the players and everything else in their corner on Thursday, and a win to nil feels like a tap in.
Tip 2: Raul Jimenez to score first
It would be fitting for Raul Jimenez to be the man to get this tournament up and running with goals.
The 35-year-old is a national icon in Mexico and their team’s beating heart. His ability to play with his back to goal frees up Mexico’s wide attackers, but their striker is still the biggest goal threat throughout their squad.
He is still looking for his first World Cup goal after six previous fruitless attempts, and Thursday feels set up for him.
Tip 3: Raul Jimenez 2+ shots on target & Lyle Foster 2+ shots on target
If we get an end-to-end game on Thursday, then Jimenez and Lyle Foster are going to be the two men in the thick of the action.
The Burnley striker doesn’t receive the credit he deserves for leading the line for South Africa. Sure, he might not have the goal return required to fire South Africa out of the group, but he is usually involved in everything good they do.
Two goals and two assists at last year’s AFCON tournament underline this.
World Cup Offers
Alongside our Mexico vs South Africa predictions and betting tips, you can also take advantage of the latest welcome offers and promotions from the top World Cup betting sites ahead of the tournament opener.
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Where to Watch Mexico vs South Africa
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