Mexico vs. South Africa: Starting 11 Lineups, Prediction & Odds for World Cup

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 10: Guillermo Ochoa #13 of Mexico looks on during a Mexico Training Session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Centro de Alto Rendimiento on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Mexico takes on South Africa as a heavy favorite in the World Cup’s opening game. Both Mexico and South Africa have officially announced their starting XI for the first World Cup match.

Mexico is a -235 favorite to win versus South Africa in the opening match, per DraftKings. South Africa is a massive underdog at +750 to pull off the upset.

A draw is listed at +340. The over-under for goals in the Mexico-South Africa game is set at 2.5.

We will offer our free pick and score prediction for the Mexico-South Africa match in just a bit. The Mexico-South Africa game starts at 3 p.m. Eastern on Fox.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Mexico-South Africa game.

Mexico’s Starting XI vs. South Africa: Starting Lineup for 1st World Cup Game

Mexico’s official starting lineup against South Africa.

South Africa’s Starting XI Lineup vs. Mexico

Here’s a look at South Africa’s starting lineup against Mexico for the World Cup opener.

Mexico vs. South Africa Prediction: El Tri Starts World Cup With a Win

There has been plenty of drama in the lead up to Mexico’s World Cup debut. Tensions arose between the national team and players’ clubs over a scheduled training window during Liga MX’s playoffs.

All this is in the past now, and Mexico has a good opportunity to start the World Cup on a strong note. Mexico is the stronger side here and gets the win to take an early lead in Group A.

We’re taking Mexico to win and the over on goals in the World Cup opener.

World Cup Pick: Mexico 2 South Africa 1

Mexico World Cup Roster

Here’s a look at Mexico’s World Cup roster, including each athlete’s position and jersey number.

World Cup Odds: Mexico Is the Favorite to Win Group A

Heading into the World Cup, Mexico is a heavy favorite to win Group A at -140, per DraftKings. South Korea is a distant second at +350.

El Tri is a sizable underdog to win the World Cup at +6500. Fans can take Mexico to reach the Round of 16 at -150, per FanDuel.

More bullish supporters can bet Mexico to reach the quarterfinals at +290.

“I’ve told my players that this could be a good day for us, that no matter what happens, the fans will be behind us,” Mexico manager Javier Aguirre noted ahead of the opener, per FIFA.com. “It’s going to be a celebration that will last for decades.

“I hope we start off like we did back then (in 1986 World Cup), on the right foot. Let’s not doubt our style of play or our mental strength.”