The wait is finally over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday night as hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
With more than 80,000 fans expected to create a cauldron-like atmosphere, El Tri will be desperate to make a winning start on home soil against a South African side making their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
And to mark the occasion, BetWarriors are offering new customers a whopping £100 in free bets when you stake £100.
Mexico arrive in strong form, having gone eight matches unbeaten under Javier Aguirre heading into the tournament. They will also benefit from home advantage, altitude and a passionate crowd as they look to begin their campaign with three points.
However, there is one statistic that may concern Mexican supporters. Despite appearing in seven previous World Cup opening matches, Mexico have never won a tournament opener and will be aiming to end that unwanted record against Bafana Bafana.
While their World Cup opening match record isn’t ideal, Mexico are notoriously difficult to beat on home turf.
Playing at the Estadio Azteca has historically given El Tri a huge advantage thanks to the altitude and intimidating atmosphere.
South Africa manager Hugo Broos has already acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side, with Mexico set to enjoy the backing of a packed stadium in the tournament curtain-raiser.
Mexico have also enjoyed recent success, winning major CONCACAF honours and building momentum ahead of the World Cup, making them deserved favourites with most bookmakers.
If Mexico are to get off to the perfect start, much may depend on veteran striker Raúl Jiménez.
The forward remains one of Mexico’s most reliable goalscorers and heads into the tournament as the nation’s second-highest scorer of all time with 46 international goals.
Jiménez was also Mexico’s leading scorer during 2025 and has continued to produce in big moments for both club and country, so BetWarrior’s generous 5/4 on him finding the net this evening looks like fantastic value.
Against a South African defence likely to spend long periods under pressure, the experienced frontman looks one of the standout betting angles in the goalscorer markets.
TRNDR tips:
Mexico to Win Both Halves
Mexico are strong favourites, and in front of their home crowd they will be desperate to put on a show and get off to a flying start.
BetWarrior’s price boost on Mexico to Win Both Halves at 3/1, enhanced from 5/2, looks like it could be worthy of your attention.
Raúl Jiménez – Anytime Goalscorer
Mexico’s main attacking threat has a superb international scoring record and will almost certainly be on penalty duties.
With the hosts expected to dominate possession and create chances, backing Jiménez to find the net stands out as one of the strongest player bets on the board.
Our prediction
Mexico 2-0 South Africa
The pressure will be immense on the hosts, but their quality, experience and home advantage should ultimately prove too much for South Africa. Expect a professional rather than spectacular performance, with Raúl Jiménez potentially marking the occasion with another goal for his country.
