FIFA World Cup 2026 – Mexico vs South Africa Head to Head, Form Guide, Predicted XI

Home advantage can often result in raucous boos from fans when the results in football go the other way. Mexico, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup for the third time – this time as co-host – will know better than many.

This time it will play the opening match against South Africa, which is looking for its first World Cup victory. South Africa and Mexico had met in the 2010 World Cup opener, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw.

The goalscorer for Mexico in that match will remain in the national camp this edition, now as an assistant, and will look to inspire the side to victory to kick things off in style on home soil.

Mexico vs South Africa:

• Total number of matches: 4

• Mexico: 2

• South Africa: 1

• Pull: 1

Form Guide — Mexico

• Mexico 5-1 Serbia

• Mexico 1-0 Australia

• Mexico 2-0 Ghana

• Mexico 1-1 Belgium

• Mexico 0-0 Portugal

Form Guide — South Africa

• Form guide for South Africa:

• South Africa 0-0 Nicaragua

• South Africa 1-2 Panama

• South Africa 1-1 Panama

• South Africa 1-2 Cameroon

• Zimbabwe 2-3 South Africa

Mexico vs South Africa predicted lineups:

Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Sánchez, Montes, Vázquez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Alvarez, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones

South Africa (4-2-3-1): R Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Prince; Appollis, Zwane, farmer; Feeding.

Published on June 11, 2026