The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 with two Group A clashes. Here’s our full preview and betting tips for Mexico vs South Africa and South Korea vs Czech Republic.
The wait is over. After months of anticipation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway on Thursday, June 11 with two Group A matches in Mexico. For Nigerian football fans, this is the tournament — the one where your passion for the beautiful game gets its biggest stage, even without the Super Eagles. Sixty-four nations have gathered, 104 matches lie ahead, and every matchday brings drama, upsets, and betting opportunities.
Here’s everything you need to know about the two games on June 11, with kick-off times in West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1) and our best betting tips for Bet9ja and SportyBet customers.
### The Occasion
El Tri get the privilege of opening the tournament on home soil. Estadio Azteca — a ground that has hosted two World Cup finals — will be rocking on Thursday evening in Mexico City. This is one of football’s great atmospheres, and the altitude (2,240 metres above sea level) gives Mexico a genuine physical advantage that opponents rarely overcome.
Mexico arrive full of confidence. They won the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League in 2025, and Raúl Jiménez had one of his best-ever Premier League seasons at Fulham, scoring nine goals and contributing three assists. El Tri are organised, technically sharp, and at home. They enter this tournament as comfortable favourites to top the group.
South Africa are the story for African football fans watching on June 11. The Bafana Bafana qualified from CAF Group C with 18 points — finishing above tougher opponents to earn automatic qualification. Their squad is built for resilience, with 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates providing the spark in attack. Mofokeng recorded 10 goals and eight assists in his domestic season and is one of African football’s most exciting young talents. South Africa will defend deep and look to hurt Mexico on the counter.
### Match Prediction
Mexico are dominant favourites and playing at altitude on home soil. South Africa will make them work, but El Tri’s quality and the home crowd should be enough to edge it. Expect a tight, tactical game — Mexico winning 1-0 or 2-0 without too many alarms.
Our tips:
– Mexico to Win — Bet9ja ~1.42 | Value is modest but solid in-game
– Under 2.5 Goals — Bet9ja ~1.65 | South Africa will defend deep; a low-scoring game is likely
– Both Teams NOT to Score — Bet9ja ~1.75 | Mofokeng threat notwithstanding, South Africa are unlikely to convert
For the full South Africa World Cup 2026 guide, including squad list, group fixtures and our tournament preview, visit our dedicated page.
### The Late-Night Fixture
This one kicks off at 10pm ET on June 11 — which translates to 03:00 WAT in the early hours of Friday morning. Nigerian night owls and hardcore punters will want to stay up for this one, or place their bets in advance. It is technically a June 11 fixture on the tournament schedule.
South Korea are making their 12th World Cup appearance — a record for Asia — and arrive on an impressive wave of form. They were the only unbeaten team through AFC qualifying, winning 11 and drawing five matches while scoring 40 goals. Son Heung-min, now at LA FC after his Tottenham stint, lines up in attack for what will be his fourth World Cup. Coach Hong’s side are organised and dangerous on the break.
Czech Republic return to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, having last appeared in 2006. They only qualified through the playoffs, beating Denmark on penalties in the final — so this team knows how to grind. Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen leads the line and has an outstanding major tournament record: six goals in seven appearances at Euros and now this World Cup. He is the most dangerous player in this match.
### Match Prediction
This is the most evenly contested match of the day. Neither side is a clear favourite — the markets make it almost a coin flip. South Korea’s superior form and recent momentum edges it slightly, but expect a tight, cagey affair with few clear-cut chances.
Our tips:
– Draw or South Korea (double chance) — Bet9ja ~1.55 | Either team can get something here
– Under 2.5 Goals — SportyBet ~1.67 | Both teams are defensive-minded; goals will be hard to come by
– Patrik Schick to Score Anytime — BetKing ~3.00 | His major tournament pedigree makes him a value pick in this market
| Match | Our Tip | Approx. Odds |
|—|—|—|
| Mexico vs South Africa | Mexico to Win | 1.42 |
| Mexico vs South Africa | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.65 |
| South Korea vs Czech Republic | Draw or South Korea | 1.55 |
| South Korea vs Czech Republic | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.67 |
Bet responsibly. All odds are approximate and sourced from Bet9ja, SportyBet and BetKing. For the best accumulator for today’s games, see our World Cup 2026 accumulator tips. Always gamble within your means. 18+ only.
For the complete tournament fixture list and group-stage guide, visit FIFA.com.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
