Home›Matches›Mexico vs South Africa

    Match 1 · Group A · Matchday 1

    MexicoMexico
    2 : 0
    Full-time
    South AfricaSouth Africa
    • J. Quinones9'
    • R. Jimenez67'
    Goals

      Thursday, June 11, 2026 · 3:00 PM ET

      Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

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      PreviewLineupsStatisticsH2HKnockoutReport

      Match events

      MexicoMinSouth Africa
      • J. Quinones(assist: E. Lira)
        9'
      • 17'
        Teboho MokoenaYellow card
      • Brian GutiérrezYellow card
        23'
      • 49'
        Siphephelo SitholeRed card
      • 56'
        ▲ T. Mbatha·▼ L. Foster
      • 61'
        ▲ T. Zwane·▼ J. Adams
      • ▲ L. Chavez·▼ B. Gutierrez
        66'
      • ▲ G. Mora·▼ A. Fidalgo
        66'
      • R. Jimenez(assist: R. Alvarado)
        67'
      • 74'
        Nkosinathi SibisiYellow card
      • ▲ E. Alvarez·▼ E. Lira
        76'
      • ▲ A. Gonzalez·▼ R. Jimenez
        76'
      • 76'
        ▲ E. Makgopa·▼ I. Rayners
      • 77'
        ▲ O. Appollis·▼ A. Modiba
      • ▲ A. Vega·▼ J. Quinones
        79'
      • 82'
        VAR: Card upgrade
      • 84'
        Themba ZwaneRed card
      • César MontesRed card
        90+2'

      Group A standings

      #TeamPWDLGDPts
      1MexicoMexico330069
      2South AfricaSouth Africa3111-14
      3South KoreaSouth Korea3102-13
      4Czech RepublicCzech Republic3012-41
      View full Group A →

      What each team needs

      MexicoMexico

      A win in their opening match would put Mexico in a strong position to advance from Group A.

      South AfricaSouth Africa

      An opening win over Mexico would be a major statement and strengthen South Africa's chances of progressing.

      Team comparison

      StatMexicoSouth Africa
      FIFA Ranking1561
      World Cup Titles00
      World Cup Appearances184
      Best WC FinishQuarterfinals (1970, 1986)Group stage (2002, 2010)
      ManagerJavier AguirreHugo Broos
      How They QualifiedHost nation — automatic qualificationCAF — Group C runners-up
      2022 World CupGroup stage — eliminatedDid not qualify
      CaptainEdson ÁlvarezRonwen Williams

      Prediction

      Mexico 2 — 1 South Africa

      Based on FIFA rankings and recent form. Mexico (ranked 15th) enters as the slight favourite.

      Match facts

      Mexico have appeared at 18 World Cups. South Africa have appeared at 4.
      Mexico are ranked 15th in the world. South Africa are ranked 61th.
      This match takes place at Estadio Azteca, which is one of the 16 World Cup 2026 venues.

      How to watch

      RegionBroadcast
      USA (English)FOX / FOX Sports App
      USA (Spanish)Telemundo / Peacock
      UKBBC / ITV (TBC)
      WorldwideFIFA+ (select territories)

      Venue

      Estadio Azteca · Mexico City · Capacity: 72,766

      Full stadium guide →