William Hill News provide their best bets and predictions ahead of the opening fixture of the 2026 World Cup as Mexico take on South Africa on Thursday night.
As one of the host countries for this summer’s competition, Mexico will be chomping at the bit to get their World Cup campaign off to a flying start. According to the latest football betting markets, El Tri are clear favourites to claim a crucial victory.
Mexico v South Africa Best Bets:
- Both teams to score – 11/8
- Mexico to score in both halves – 6/4
- Mexico to win 3-1 – 12/1
The atmosphere in Mexico City will be something to behold and the stadium will be a cauldron of noise. While that could add an element of pressure on the hosts, El Tri may thrive under it and an early goal will help settle a few nerves.
Neither team features among the favourites to lift the trophy but it should be a classic. There is an added level of spice for World Cup fans as this is a repeat of the opening encounter from 2010’s tournament, with Mexico and South Africa drawing 1-1 that day.
Mexico v South Africa Match Odds:
- Mexico – 2/5
- Draw – 16/5
- South Africa – 7/1
Mexico have kept six clean sheets in their last eight international matches and some will fancy the home side in the ‘win to nil’ market but I’m not sure they will have everything their own way.
Let’s not forget – South Africa have scored in nine of their previous 11 matches in the build-up to the World Cup. In addition, both teams to score has landed in five of their last six games and that is the sports betting market that catches my eye.
The African nation are likely to adopt a defensive-minded approach but they have enough quality going forward to cause problems for the Mexico defence, especially during a transitional phase of play.
El Tri are in excellent form, they have home advantage and their squad is superior to South Africa’s. Taking all of that into account, I’m keen to back Mexico to kickstart their 2026 World Cup campaign with three points.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
