Mexico vs South Africa Official, Thursday, 11 June 2026, FIFA World Cup Matchday 1
Here are the official starting lineups for Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, June 11, 2026, for the FIFA World Cup. This thrilling match will take place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making it the first stadium to host three opening matches of the World Cup.
Statistics: In major international competitions, Mexico and South Africa have clashed 4 times. Mexico holds the advantage in their overall encounters: with 2 victories compared to South Africa’s 1, and 1 match ending in a draw.
👉 2 Serie A players called up for 🇲🇽 the Mexico National team:
- AC Milan Santiago Gimenez.
- Genoa defender Johan Vasquez.
👉 Serie A players called up for 🇿🇦 the South Africa National team:
None
👉 Click here for Full 2026 World Cup Squad Lists – Confirmed rosters for all 48 teams.
👉 Click here for 2026 World Cup Group Stage Standings.
Group A
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | Points | For | Against | Current form | Next Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Mexico |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | W???? | |
| 2 |
 Korea Republic |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | W???? | |
| 3 |
 Czech Republic |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | L???? | |
| 4 |
 South Africa |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | L???? |
Our guys have arrived home. 🏟️#SomosMéxico pic.twitter.com/kkO6ub6gqg
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 11, 2026
Mexico official starting lineup
Goalkeeper: Raul Rangel
Defenders: Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfielders: Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones
Substitutes: Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo, Jorge Sánchez, Mateo Chávez, Orbelín Pineda, Luis Romo, Edson Álvarez, Obed Vargas, Gilberto Mora, Luis Chávez, César Huerta, Alexis Vega, Guillermo Martinez, Armando González, Santiago Giménez
South Africa lineup: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi; Lyle Foster
Starting lineups
Substitutes
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World Cup Group A Match 1
Mexico – South Africa
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM local time (Mexico City); 3:00 PM ET; 9:00 PM Pretoria.
Referee: Wilton Sampaio BRA.
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Pires BRA.
Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Boschilia BRA.
Fourth Official: Juan Benitez PAR.
Reserve AR: Eduardo Cardozo PAR.
VAR: Nicolas Gallo COL.
AVAR: Juan Lara CHI.
SVAR: Jerome Brisard FRA.
Fact: This match is a rematch of the opening game from the 2010 World Cup. South Africa faced Mexico, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Mexico National team World Cup 2026 Squad list:
- Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel (Guadalajara), Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol), Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna).
- Defenders: Jorge Sanchez (PAOK), Israel Reyes (Club America), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Mateo Chavez (AZ).
- Midfielders: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis), Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Luis Romo (Guadalajara), Edson Alvarez (West Ham), Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid), Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow).
- Forwards: Cesar Huerta (Anderlecht), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah), Guillermo Martinez (UNAM), Armando Gonzalez (Guadalajara), Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan), Raul Jimenez (Fulham).
South Africa World Cup 2026 Squad list:
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
The Azteca Stadium is set for Mexico vs South Africa
Mexico official starting lineup against South Africa
Photo via x.com/
South Africa official starting lineup against Mexico
Credit via x.com/BafanaBafana
