FIFA World Cup Matchday 1 Betting Picks: Mexico vs. South Africa; South Korea vs. Czechia
The wait is over as the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway on Thursday.
Group A kicks things off with tournament co-host Mexico facing South Africa in the afternoon, followed by South Korea vs. Czechia later at night.
Let’s get into it with our best betting picks.
Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of World Cup game odds, World Cup futures and World Cup specials and props.
Mexico vs. South Africa – Group A
Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Time: 3 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
It’s a rematch almost 20 years in the making as the 2026 World Cup kicks off with co-host Mexico facing South Africa in Group A action. This is a reversal of 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament and opened against El Tricolor
Mexico will obviously be looking to put on a show in front of their home crowd and make amends for a group stage exit four years ago in Qatar. Meanwhile, South Africa is in the World Cup for the first time since they hosted 16 years ago.
I’m circling Raul Jimenez to get on the scoresheet in this fixture. Mexico’s fate will largely rest in the 35-year-old’s hands and I don’t see him letting the home fans down on matchday 1.
Mexico vs. South Africa betting pick: Raul Jimenez anytime goal (+130)
Parlay pick: Raul Jimenez anytime goal + Mexico win (+170)
You can see our full Mexico vs. South Africa game preview and score prediction here.
South Korea vs. Czechia – Group A
Location: Estadio Akron, Zapopan
Time: 10 p.m. ET
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+
This game really reflects Group A as any result is possible and there’s no heavy favourite. Oddsmakers are giving South Korea the slightest edge at +160 to win, while Czechia is right behind at +190 and a draw is listed at +200.
South Korea is aiming for a safer route to the knockout round than Qatar 2022 when a last-minute goal against Portugal sent them through. On the flip side, Czechia is hoping to build off the resilience that saw them win two penalty shootouts in the UEFA playoffs.
My early lean on this game is a tight affair that ends in a draw. Both lineups are balanced and I don’t see a star player capable of taking over the game.
South Korea vs. Czechia betting pick: Draw (+200)
Parlay pick: Draw + both teams to score (+300)
You can see our full South Korea vs. Czechia game preview and score prediction here.