Mexico vs South Africa Betting Tips & Predictions – El Tricolor to Make a Strong Start at the World Cup 2026

Vedran Ostojic

Editor

Last updated: Thu 11 Jun 2026 12:30

Vedran Ostojic 11 Jun 2026

Share this article

Mexico have been very strong in recent international friendlies
We are backing them to beat South Africa without conceding
Check our full preview for Mexico vs South Africa below

Expired

Raul Jimenez is expected to lead Mexico's offense (Getty)

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
Four Previous Meetings
El Tricolor on a Hot Run
South Africa Winless Since December
Team News & Predicted Lineups

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.

Verdict

Mexico v South Africa

Besides beating a couple of underdogs at AFCON 2025, South Africa have struggled against serious opposition, failing to win any of their four friendlies this year. I am backing red-hot Mexico to win without conceding in front of the home crowd.

Mexico

To Win to Nil

@1/1 - 2 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. 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. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365

Mexico Win 2-0

Correct Score

@11/2 - 1 Unit

Bet £10 Get £10

Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble

Vedran is a passionate sports enthusiast and covers European football, basketball, volleyball and handball.

With a particular love for the English Premier League, he's been writing about sports online for more than a decade since completing a degree in literature and sports journalism.

The primary areas of focus include top European football leagues (mainly EPL, La Liga, Serie A & Bundesliga), basketball (EuroLeague, NBA & WNBA), Handball and Volleyball.

Follow Vedran on Facebook.