Mexico vs. South Africa Odds, Live Stream Schedule, Group Scenarios for World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday in Mexico City, as host country Mexico battles South Africa in the first group-stage match of the tournament.

What are the current odds for the game, when and where can fans check it out, and what does the rest of the Group A schedule look like?

Find out in this preview.

Viewing Information

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Date: Thursday, June 11

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City

TV: Fox, Telemundo (Espanol)

Streaming: Fox Sports, Fox One, Tubi, Fubo TV, Peacock (Espanol)

Group A Schedule

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Thursday, June 11

Mexico vs. South Africa (Mexico City, Mexico), 3:00 p.m.

South Korea vs. Czechia (Zapopan, Mexico), 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 18

Czechia vs. South Africa (Atlanta, Georgia), 12:00 p.m.

Mexico vs. South Korea (Zapopan, Mexico) 11:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24

Czechia vs. Mexico (Mexico City, Mexico), 9:00 p.m.

South Africa vs. South Korea (Guadalupe, Mexico), 9:00 p.m.

Current Odds

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Mexico (-260; bet $100, win $38.46)

South Africa (+750; bet $100, win $750)

Tie (+360; bet $100, win $360)

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Preview

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Mexico, one of three host countries in 2026, kicks off the tournament amid great pressure. The team failed to make the knockout round in Qatar in 2022, a recent low point for the nation.

With head coach Javier Aguirre back at the helm, and star Raul Jimenez leading the way on the pitch, they drew an ideal opponent to kick off their World Cup campaign.

South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Still, the occasion is hampered by a lack of momentum from four consecutive winless outcomes in friendlies.

Mexico is unbeaten in its last seven World Cup openers, will have the support of a raucous, home-field crowd, and is a superior team, on paper and in execution.

Upsets happen, but this looks like a sure thing, especially if South Africa struggles to flip the proverbial switch after their underwhelming performances in those aforementioned friendly matches.

With veteran Jimenez leading the way, and the team's on-pitch discipline one of its key strengths, expect a measured performance from El Tri en route to a tone-setting victory in their first group match.