- Mexico have won 6, drawn 3 and lost only 1 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- South Africa have won only 4, drawn 3 and lost 3 of their last 10 in all competitions.
A 2010 World Cup replay awaits in Group A
Mexico and South Africa face off in what should be an entertaining encounter on Thursday as two of the most recognised nations from their respective continents come together. The fixture replicates the 2010 World Cup opener between the sides and both nations will no doubt have many eyes on their performance in what is essentially a showroom for Liga MX talent and South African players looking for European moves.
Javier Aguirre has done a fine job as Mexico head coach since taking over in July 2024, instilling defensive discipline and tactical clarity on the side in a very short space of time. Their side is compact, well drilled and disciplined, whether playing a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to control the rhythm of the game and counterattack when necessary.
Mexico have won 3 games on the spin, including a 2-0 win over Ghana, a 1-0 win over Australia and a 5-1 win over Serbia. They are on a 5 game unbeaten streak at home, winning 3 and drawing 2. Their defence is rock solid whilst they also have the quality to make the game tick and penetrate opponents with their wide progression and pressing game.
Bafana Bafana can be a physical presence
Hugo Broos took over in May 2021 and has looked to make his side a physical side, with a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that allows them to play direct football, a set-piece threat and high intensity pressing that can cause chaos and turnovers, allowing them to counter attack at pace.
South Africa were outplayed at home by Panama last time out, losing 1-2, and were held to a 0-0 draw by Nicaragua in Friendly International Matches 2026. Their recent form has been less convincing than their opponents, winning only 1, drawing 2 and losing 2 of their last 5 games. Bafana Bafana's only away game in this recent period was a victory, but their overall away form is unproven at this level, winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 1 of 3 in all competitive and non-competitive matches.
Mexico to win and not concede
Mexico are the heavy favourites here and rightly so at 1.44, whilst South Africa are 8.8 underdogs and the draw is 4.55. However, the value in this market lies with the 'No' side of the 'Both teams to score' market at 1.52.
With Mexico's form, home advantage and sheer superiority to South Africa, it is impossible to imagine anything other than a comfortable victory for Aguirre's men. South Africa's recent form, so the 'Both teams to score - No' selection looks a solid option. Johan Vasquez has scored 2 of Mexico's last 6 goals and looks a good choice for an anytime scorer here, whilst Oswin Appollis has also scored 2 of Bafana Bafana's last 6 and looks their best hope of a goal.
