Mexico vs South Africa Predictions - Mexico backed for victory over Bafana Bafana

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Mexico in top form, winning last 3 matches and 5 of last 8 to nil.
South Africa winless in last 4 friendlies and struggling offensively.
Prediction: Mexico to win to nil, likely 2-0.

Raul Jimenez is expected to lead Mexico's offense (Getty)

Mexico vs South Africa Predictions

Mexico come into this home World Cup in fine form and full of confidence. South Africa, while competitive and defensively sound, have not had the best results in 2026. I expect it to be tight for large periods but at altitude, Mexico to win to nil in the end.

Mexico vs South Africa Predictions
Head to Head
Mexico Form
South Africa Form
Mexico vs South Africa Squads

Mexico have won 5 of their last 8 matches to nil.
South Africa are winless in 5 of their last 7 matches.

Head to Head

Mexico have won two of their four matches against South Africa with one draw and one Bafana Bafana victory backin 2008. They met in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the game ended 1-1.

Mexico Form

Mexico’s confidence is at high level ahead of the World Cup 2026, claiming three consecutive victories in friendly matches in the last couple of weeks.

This winning streak started with a 2-0 victory against Ghana in late May, allowing just 0.17 expected goals to the opposition, followed by a 1-0 win against Australia where Johan Vasquez was the sole scorer in the 28th minute. Once again, their defense did a great job here, allowing just one shot on target.

In their final test match, Javier Aguirre’s side crushed Serbia 5-1 in front of the home crowd in Toluca, ending this clash with 2.26-0.45 expected goals, 66% possession and 7-1 shots on target.

South Africa Form

This is going to be the first World Cup appearance for South Africa since 2010 when they were the tournament hosts, topping Group C in the regional qualifiers ahead of Nigeria, Benin, Lesotho, Rwanda and Zimbabwe (had five wins, three draws, two defeats).

Their recent form hasn’t been that great, failing to secure a single victory in four international friendly matches this year.

South Africa were tagged favorites in their recent friendly against Nicaragua which ended in a goalless draw (Lyle Foster missed a penalty), while they were one minute away from beating Jamaica last weekend, conceding in stoppage time (1-1 FT).

Mexico vs South Africa Squads

Mexico Squad:

Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Chivas), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol)

Defenders: Israel Reyes (Club América), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca), Jorge Sánchez (PAOK), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vásquez (Genoa), Mateo Chávez (PSV)

Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Chivas), Obed Vargas (Atlético Madrid), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens), Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe), Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana), César Huerta (Anderlecht), Álvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Luis Chávez (Dynamo Moscow)

Forwards: Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julián Quiñones (Al-Qadsiah), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas), Armando González (Chivas), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)

South Africa Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).

Verdict

Mexico v South Africa

Besides beating a couple of underdogs at AFCON 2025, South Africa have struggled against serious opposition, failing to win any of their four friendlies this year. I am backing red-hot Mexico to win without conceding in front of the home crowd.

Mexico

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Mexico Win 2-0

Correct Score

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