Mexico vs South Africa match preview: predicted XI, team squad news, match prediction and where to watch today’s FIFA World Cup match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off as co-host Mexico face South Africa in the opener, a remarkable replay of the tournament's very first match from 2010 edition, when the two sides drew 1-1 in Johannesburg. The Mexico vs South Africa match marks the start of a 39-day tournament featuring 104 games across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the biggest World Cup in the sport's history.Mexico arrive in fine form. Coach Javier Aguirre's side has not lost in eight games in 2026, with the run including impressive draws against Belgium and Portugal in March and warm-up wins over Australia (1-0) and Serbia (5-1). Mexico swept through CONCACAF in 2025, winning both the Nations League and the Gold Cup.South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 2010, opening against the same opponents, at the same stage, 16 years on. Belgian coach Hugo Broos who is in his final managerial role before retirement guided South Africa to fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before spearheading their World Cup qualification campaign.The Mexico vs South Africa 2026 FIFA World Cup match will kick off at 12.30 am IST.The Mexico vs South Africa match will be played in Estadio Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. To make things more special for Mexico who are making their 17th appearance at the finals, the gigantic Estadio Azteca is set to make history as the first stadium to host three FIFA World Cup opening matches (1970, 1986 and 2026).Mexico (4-1-4-1): Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes; Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo; Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez.South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha; Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.Thursday’s FIFA World Cup opening game will be only the fifth meeting between Mexico and South Africa. Mexico have won twice, South Africa have won once, while one encounter ended in a draw.Mexico 26-Man Squad (Coach: Javier Aguirre)GK: Raúl Rangel, Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa | DF: Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez | MF: Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Obed Vargas, Brian Gutiérrez, Orbelín Pineda, Edson Álvarez (C), Gilberto Mora, César Huerta, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Chávez | FW: Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, Julián Quiñones, Santiago Giménez, Guillermo Martínez, Armando González, Raúl JiménezSouth Africa 26-Man Squad (Coach: Hugo Broos)GK: Ronwen Williams (C), Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine | DF: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi | MF: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole | FW: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane.Mexico to win 2-0. The hosts carry superior quality, strong advantage in attacking line and a roaring home crowd in the iconic Azteca. South Africa will be disciplined but ultimately lack the firepower to contain El Tri on their own patch.The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be streamed live on the ZEE5 website and application and will be telecast live on the following channels – Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Fans in India can watch the Mexico vs South Africa match on these platforms.