The team news is in ahead of the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Mexico appear set to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with teenage prospect Gilberto Mora starting on the bench. The hosts will instead rely on a front three of Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones as they look to make a winning start on home soil.
For South Africa, the selection suggests a more cautious approach. Bafana Bafana have named five defenders in their starting XI, signalling an emphasis on defensive solidity against the hosts.
Mexico XI: Rangel; Montes, Vásquez, Reyes, Gallardo; Lira, Fidalgo, Gutiérrez; Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones.
South Africa XI: Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Mudau, Okon; Mokoena, Sithole, Adams; Foster, Rayners.
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 11, 2026
The official lineup! 🚨
This is our first #StartingXI of the World Cup.
Ready to give it our all. LET’S GOOOOOO! 🫶#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/YKVToWMAYe
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 11, 2026
