News Focus
- El Tri secured a 2-0 victory against South Africa in their tournament opener at Mexico City Stadium
- Thursday’s clash with South Korea will likely decide who tops Group A
- Bookmakers have slashed Mexico’s odds to win the group from -125 to -160
- The squad seeks to overcome their history of last-16 exits and 2022 group stage failure
Mexico launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup bid with an impressive 2-0 victory against South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium. Julián Quiñones struck early in the ninth minute to give El Tri the lead. Raúl Jiménez then doubled the advantage in the 67th minute after South Africa had a player sent off.
The result leaves Mexico perfectly positioned at the top of Group A. They now face South Korea on Thursday in a match that will likely determine the group winners. Both sides won their opening fixtures. This will be Mexico’s 11th World Cup match played on home soil, though their first ever staged in Guadalajara.
Bookmakers have slashed Mexico’s odds to top Group A following their strong start. El Tri are now available at -160 to finish first, shortened from -125 before the tournament kicked off. Their odds to qualify from the group stand at -10000.
The betting markets for Mexico’s top scorer have also shifted dramatically. Jiménez has become the clear favourite at -115 after netting against South Africa, having started the tournament at +220. Quiñones has seen his price tumble from +750 to +150 following his opening goal.
Despite the positive start, Mexico carries the burden of recent World Cup history. The side reached the Round of 16 in seven straight tournaments between 1994 and 2018, but fell at that hurdle every time. They suffered the embarrassment of a group stage exit in 2022. El Tri will hope to avoid a repeat as they chase glory on home soil.
Mexico complete their group programme against the Czech Republic after facing South Korea.