Mexico vs. South Africa projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 opening match in Group A

JUMP TO:

• Mexico projected starting 11
• South Africa projected starting 11
• Mexico and South Africa World Cup rosters
• Mexico vs. South Africa odds, prediction
• How to watch Mexico vs. South Africa

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially get underway with the first match of the tournament, as co-hosts Mexico welcome Group A opponents South Africa to the famous Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Still standing as the only venue to host two World Cup finals, Estadio Azteca will now raise the curtain on the expanded 2026 competition.

Mexico are aiming for a rebound from their embarrassing group stage elimination at the 2022 World Cup, a disappointing finish that ended seven straight Round of 16 appearances.

South Africa, meanwhile, are simply hoping to escape the group stage of a World Cup for the first time ever, having qualified for their first FIFA tournament since hosting in 2010.

Incredibly, this is a rematch of the opening match of that 2010 World Cup, where South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in Johannesburg.

The Sporting News brings you a look at the projected starting lineups for both teams, as well as an overview of their World Cup squads, plus odds, predictions, and how to watch the game.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Mexico projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 1. Rangel (GK) — 2. J. Sanchez, 3. Montes, 5. J. Vasquez, 23. Gallardo — 26. Gutierrez, 6. Lira, 19. Mora — 25. Alvarado, 9. Jimenez, 16. Quinones.

• Injured: Malagon (Achilles)
• Suspended: None

Mexico have brought legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa along for his record sixth World Cup, but Raul Rangel is expected to start after supposed first-choice option Luis Malagon suffered a torn Achilles just months before the tournament.

Edson Alvarez, who is coming off an injury-riddled season, is not expected to start for Mexico as he continues to return to full match fitness.

Up front, Raul Jimenez will start at striker after re-signing with his old club Wolves, having been released by Fulham at the end of the recent Premier League season. His understudy Santiago Gimenez is coming off a very poor campaign at AC Milan.

South Africa projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. R. Williams (GK) — 20. Mudau, 21. Okon, 14. Mbokazi, 6. Modiba — 13. Sithole, 4. Mokoena — 7. Appollis, 11. Zwane, 8. Moremi — 9. Foster.

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

The most recognizable individual in the South Africa lineup is striker Lyle Foster, who scored three goals and assisted two others this season for Burnley in their Premier League relegation campaign.

Many of South Africa's players on their World Cup roster hail from their domestic league, where clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates dominate both in the South African league and on the African continental stage. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has experience playing all over the world, as he led the national team deep into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and started for Mamelodi Sundowns at last summer's Club World Cup in the United States.

Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Mexico and South Africa World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

MORE: Every World Cup squad for all 48 participants

Mexico World Cup squad

Head coach: Javier Aguirre

South Africa World Cup squad

Head coach: Hugo Broos

Mexico vs. South Africa prediction, betting odds

• Prediction: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Mexico are heavily favored to win their first World Cup group stage match, and are expected to do so in low-scoring fashion as well.

It will be difficult for Mexico to get past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who starred at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, winning the best goalkeeper award at the tournament for his penalty shootout heroics.

Where to watch Mexico vs. South Africa

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)