The long wait is finally over and all eyes will be on the Azteca Stadium tonight as Mexico and South Africa get World Cup 2026 underway.
The Mexicans will be desperate to get off to a flying start and are heavy favourites on home turf against a side who haven't graced a World Cup since they were hosts in 2010.
South Africa also head into the tournament in poor form, going five games without victory against limited opposition in Cameroon, Panama, Nicaragua and Jamaica.
Mexico vs South Africa top betting tips
Unlike the Bafana Bafana, Mexico are storming into the finals full of belief after going eight games without defeat.
They thrashed Serbia 5-1 in their final warm-up game and look worthy 21/50 favourites with Bet365. I'm going to add on over 1.5 goals and over five corners, which takes the odds to evens in a bet builder.
Referees can often be card happy at the World Cup and the man in the middle tonight is Brazilian Wilton Sampaio. He's averaging over 4.5 cards a game this season and has flashed six or more yellows in three of his last four outings.
That makes over 2.5 cards for the Bafana Bafana a good option tonight at 6/5 with Bet365 but I'm more drawn to the 13/8 on offer for South Africa -1 in the card handicap.
South Korea vs Czechia
The other Group A game takes place in the wee small hours and it's a tricky one to call as South Korea take on Czechia.
This isn't a vintage Czech side but they showed plenty of character in the play-offs to edge out the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
Both those games were decided on penalties after 2-2 draws and we've also seen BTTS and over 2.5 goals in their warm-up games with Kosovo and Guatemala.
However, BTTS has failed to land in any of South Korea's last eight matches, so that's probably why combining that bet with over 2.5 strikes pays a healthy 8/5 with Bet365.
I'm going to go for a stats bet instead, with Wolves star Ladislav Krejci always happy to get stuck in. The combative Czech star is 11/10 to make two or more tackles and that looks good value.
If you're having a punt on the opening games, make sure you check out our guide to the top 2026 World Cup betting apps.
Portugal Youth vs Canada Youth
The World Cup isn't the only show in town just now, with the Maurice Revello Tournament already underway in France.
This festival of youth football, previously known as the Toulon Tournament, often gives us an early glimpse of some of the best talents in the world.
Portugal are three-time winners and will advance to another final if they beat Canada in their final group game today.
The Canadians have nothing to play for but pride so it's easy to see why Bet365 price Portugal at just 19/50 for the win.
The Portuguese drew 0-0 with Ivory Coast but have scored seven times across their other two fixtures so far. Canada lost 2-1 to the Ivorians so I'm going to combine a Portugal win with over 2.5 goals at 20/21.
Over four first-half corners also looks decent at 21/20 as the Portuguese will be pushing to get their noses in front.
Super singles
- South Africa -1 card handicap 13/8 Bet365
- Ladislav Krejci over 1.5 tackles 11/10 Bet365
- Over four first-half corners in Portugal Youth v Canada Youth 21/20 Bet365
Upcoming match previews and betting previews
- Thu 20:00 Mexico vs South Africa
- Fri 03:00 South Korea vs Czechia
- SlipsTips’ Tips: Czech out player-based selection at the World Cup on Friday
Racing tips
Rizzel is back in the saddle today and has a 10/1 pick for the meeting at Newbury
As always, post your own tips and comments below.
Mr Fixit launched this website as a small project in 2010 to give him a platform to provide daily football tips to punters on the internet. The site has grown massively since, and while he is no longer with us, our aim is to continue his good work and provide our readers with solid tips every day to consider placing their bets on.
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