The Mexicans last played an official match last year, when they defeated the USA away in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Their friendly matches in 2026 started well, after a prior unpleasant winless streak. However, they managed to beat all of their last three opponents—Ghana, Australia, and Serbia.
The South Africans were able to secure the right to finally return to the World Cup. To do this, they had to win a tough qualification battle for first place—Benin and Nigeria finished just one point behind. Afterwards, at AFCON, they won twice in the group stage but were immediately knocked out by Cameroon in the playoffs. In friendlies in March, they failed to beat Panama in two attempts—1-1 and 1-2. Before the World Cup, they only played matches against Nicaragua and Jamaica, both ending in draws.
The host nation averages 1.6 goals scored per match and concedes 0.4. South Africa’s stats are less impressive: 1.4 goals scored and an average of 1 conceded per match.
Previous Matches: Mexico vs South Africa
In the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the African visitors unexpectedly won. Five years later, in the World Cup, the match ended in a draw.
Everything points to a successful start for the hosts. We believe they will win with a “-1 goal” handicap (odds – 1.68).
Mexico vs South Africa: Key Stats and Trends
Mexico has won six of their last eight matches
30% of Mexico’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.0
South Africa hasn’t won in five consecutive games
60% of South Africa’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.4
Mexico vs South Africa: Probable Starting Line-ups
Mexico plays a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (probable line-up): Rangel – Gallardo, Vazquez, Montes, Sanchez – Lira – Quinones, Fidalgo, Alvarado, Gutierrez – R. Jimenez. S. Jimenez is doubtful.
South Africa plays a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Goss – Kabini, Makanya, Okon, Matloudi – Mbatha, Sithole – Zwane, Sebelebe, Moremi – Foster.
