World Cup 2026 Mexico vs South Africa Opener Preview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday June 11 with kickoff at 8pm BST. This historic opener reverses the 2010 tournament fixture when South Africa welcomed Mexico as hosts. Mexico aims to start strong in Group A after exiting at the group stage in Qatar 2022 while South Africa returns to the global stage after missing the previous three editions having topped CAF qualifying Group C.

The match will air live on ITV1 with free streaming available via ITVX. Fans can also follow minute by minute coverage through SunSport live blog.

Mexico faces injury concerns with captain Edson Alvarez racing to recover from February ankle surgery. Goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon is ruled out after an Achilles tear and midfielder Marcel Ruiz misses the tournament with a knee injury. Rodrigo Huescas Cesar Montes Mateo Chavez Gilberto Mora and Cesar Huerta remain fitness doubts. South Africa squad status is less clear but striker Lyle Foster has been influential for Burnley in their Premier League survival push.

Starters to watch include Mexico forward Raul Jimenez who scored nine Premier League goals for Fulham and ranks third in Mexico all time scoring with 44 goals in 123 appearances. For South Africa Lyle Foster brings Premier League experience with five goal contributions this season and ten international goals including performances at the Africa Cup Of Nations.

Current match odds from Paddy Power list Mexico at 1/2 a draw at 16/6 and South Africa at 11/2.