The 2026 World Cup is finally here! After plenty of build-up and expectation co-hosts Mexico kick-off the biggest tournament yet against South Africa in Mexico City.The Group A opener sees coach Javier Aguirre leading Mexico at a World Cup for the third time (after 2002 and 2010).The co-hosts reached the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, when the competition was played in Mexico, and will be aiming to go deep again.I am neither nervous nor anxious Im genuinely excited, Aguirre said.Im one of the lucky ones, truly lucky. We are in our best physical, athletic and even mental shape. The players are very excited. None of them has experienced anything like this before. Were all eager for the moment to arrive.Lets hope it [the match] is a good one and lives up to the occasion. Thats what I tell my players, playing at home is priceless. England were champions at home and never again.I have a lot of faith that the fans will encourage us, help us, and that the whole country will be behind us.South Africa are in their first World Cup since hosting in 2010. These two sides met in the opening game 16 years ago too a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finalsTable of ContentsTeam news for Mexico v South AfricaPredicted line-ups for Mexico v South AfricaWhere to watch Mexico v South AfricaStats for Mexico v South AfricaPredictionTeam news for Mexico v South AfricaMexico will pin their goalscoring hopes on Raul Jimenez who has just signed for a second spell at Wolves after leaving Fulham.The 35-year-old has 45 goals in 124 caps and is third on the all-time list.Elsewhere goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could start in his sixth World Cup while captain Edson Alvarez is in line for a 99th cap.South Africa have plenty of domestic-based players with Burnley striker Lyle Foster set to lead the attack.Predicted line-ups for Mexico v South AfricaMexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Alvarez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Pineda; Alvarado, Jimenez, QuinonesSouth Africa: Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mbatha, Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Foster, MoremiWhere to watch Mexico v South AfricaThe match is broadcast on ITV and STV in the UK, and can also be streamed on ITVX.Check out where all the World Cup matches will be shown here.Stats for Mexico v South AfricaMexico are unbeaten in their last seven opening matches at a World Cup, with five wins and two draws the last time they tasted defeat in their opener was in 1994, when they lost 1-0 to Norway.None of South Africas nine matches at the World Cup have ended goalless their two wins so far in the competition came against Slovenia in 2002 and France in 2010. The victory against Slovenia is also their only clean sheet in a World Cup match (1-0).Coach Javier Aguirre played for Mexico at the 1986 WC, starting all five matches and assisting Manuel Negretes volley against Bulgaria before being sent off in the quarter-final against West Germany.PredictionHome advantage, a feverish crowd and a better side all point towards an opening win for the co-hosts. Lets let the football do the talking!Mexico 3-1 South Africa Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Mexico National Football Team South Africa national football team World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: How long is Lamine Yamal out? Latest news, injury update and Barcelona and Spain wingers reaction to hamstring problem Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Where to watch FIFA football finals in UK, TV channel, live online streams, BBC and ITV schedule Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Where to watch England and Scotland games on TV, full BBC and ITV listings, confirmed channels, schedule, live online streams, kick off times Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full France fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full England fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 10th June, 2026
