The build-up is done and we can finally look forward to the first game of the 2026 World Cup with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.The pressure is on the home side to get off to a win in Group A that also contains South Korea and Czechia.They wont lack for experience in the dugout with Javier Aguirre leading Mexico at a World Cup for the third time (after 2002 and 2010). Recommended offer Review Bet �10 Get �30 in Free Bets Get Offer 18+GambleAware.orgFor New Customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 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.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.Table of ContentsWhere to watch Mexico v South AfricaStats for Mexico v South AfricaResponsible GamblingWhere 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.Responsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline:0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare:www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware:gambleaware.orgGamStop:www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics Mexico National Football Team South Africa national football team 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 Mexico vs South Africa: Line-ups confirmed for World Cup curtain-raiser Mitch Fretton 11th June, 2026 Mexico v South Africa: Line-ups, stats and previewas World Cup 2026 begins Tom Rostance 11th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 opening ceremony time: Shakira, Katy Perry start times and where to watch full show on TV and live online stream with Madonna set for final Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 Beyond Mbappe and Bellingham: 10 Players to watch at the World Cup Tom Rostance 4th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 Group A: Preview, prediction, players to watch, fixtures and TV details Jon Fisher 1st June, 2026 International round-up: Son inspires South Korea as Cape Verde stun Serbia Mitch Fretton 31st May, 2026
