Mexico looked great in their recent friendlies, claiming three straight wins against respectable opponents Ghana, Australia and Serbia. I will back them to start the WC 2026 campaign with a clean win over struggling South Africa.
Key Stats
- Mexico have won to nil in 5 of their last 8 matches.
- South Africa have lost 3 of their last 7 matches.
Four Previous Meetings
Mexico have a 2-1 advantage against South Africa in terms of victories, one clash ending without a winner.
El Tricolor on a Hot Run
Mexico’s confidence is at high level ahead of the World Cup 2026, claiming three consecutive victories in friendly matches in the last couple of weeks.
This winning streak started with a 2-0 victory against Ghana in late May, allowing just 0.17 expected goals to the opposition, followed by a 1-0 win against Australia where Johan Vasquez was the sole scorer in the 28th minute. Once again, their defense did a great job here, allowing just one shot on target.
In their final test match, Javier Aguirre’s side crushed Serbia 5-1 in front of the home crowd in Toluca, ending this clash with 2.26-0.45 expected goals, 66% possession and 7-1 shots on target.
South Africa Winless Since December
This is going to be the first World Cup appearance for South Africa since 2010 when they were the tournament hosts, topping Group C in the regional qualifiers ahead of Nigeria, Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe (had five wins, three draws, two defeats).
Their recent form hasn’t been that great, failing to secure a single victory in four international friendly matches this year.
South Africa were tagged favorites in their recent friendly against Nicaragua which ended in a goalless draw (Lyle Foster missed a penalty), while they were one minute away from beating Jamaica last weekend, conceding in stoppage time (1-1 FT).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Mexico (4-3-3) Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Erik Lira, Brian Gutierrez; Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez, Roberto Alvarado
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has the most appearances for the national team on this roster (152), while Raul Jimenez is the top scorer with 45 goals.
Genoa's Johan Vasquez enters this tournament in red-hot form, netting two goals in his last two appearances for Mexico. Santiago Gimenez is still nursing a minor injury and is likely to start on bench.
South Africa (4-2-3-1) Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole; Oswin Appollis, Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mofokeng; Lyle Foster
Burnley's Lyle Foster is expected to lead South Africa. He is currently at 26 appearnaces and 10 goals for the national team. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the captain. They have no reported injuries for this opening round.