Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder Tips: 36/1 pick for World Cup curtain-raiser

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway when Mexico host South Africa at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday night (8pm BST, 1pm local, live on ITV) in a Group A clash.

In a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser, both sides will be keen to get off to a winning start, and to mark the occasion, I've picked out a 36/1 treble for my Mexico vs South Africa Bet Builder tips.

Mexico vs South Africa Odds

Mexico to win

It's typical to see World Cup openers as cagey affairs, but once the nerves settle, I think Mexico can put on a show in front of their fans.

Mexico are favourites for the tournament opener for a multitude of reasons. Their balance and depth should be too much for South Africa, and they have the added advantage of playing in their own city - as well as the altitude of 2,200 metres.

They'll be used to the sweltering heat in Mexico City, and South Africa are the lowest-ranked side in Group A, meaning that this match presents the perfect opportunity to get off to a winning start and score some goals, as who knows how important of a role goal difference will play.

Javier Aguirre's side have recently held European powerhouses Portugal and Belgium to goalless draws, before putting together a three-match winning run that included victories over Ghana (2-0), Australia (1-0) and Serbia (5-1).

In addition, Mexico are unbeaten across their last seven opening fixtures at a World Cup, and with home advantage on their side, it's difficult to see how they don't emerge from this one with all three points.

Lyle Foster to score anytime (Sub Switch)

Can South Africa record another iconic moment in this fixture, just as Siphiwe Tshabalala did back in 2010 through his thunderous strike? If anyone is going to get on the scoresheet for Bafana Bafana, it's likely to come through Burnley's Lyle Foster.

Foster is the standout name in the South Africa squad, plying his trade in the Premier League this term with the Clarets, and he managed to score three times in England's top flight.

With Mexico expected to dominate possession, Foster's pace and directness could cause Aguirre's side problems. The 25-year-old averaged well over a shot per 90 in the Premier League, but his chances could be limited here - let's back him to make one count.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if Foster gets substituted, you bet will still stand if his replacement scores.

Jesus Gallardo to be carded (Sub Switch)

My final selection is for experienced defender Jesus Gallardo to pick up a booking in this opener. The 31-year-old has represented his country on this stage twice before - in 2018 and 2022.

Gallardo committed an average of almost two fouls per 90 in the Liga MX Clausura, meaning that he's never far away from overstepping the mark. The Toluca defender also won more than two tackles per game, so it's unlikely to see him hold back in a World Cup opener for his country, in front of his home fans.

Once again - throw in Betfred’s new ‘Sub Switch’ feature, which means your bet continues to count for Gallardo's replacement if he is substituted.

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