SportsLine experts predict low-scoring opener as Mexico host South Africa
With Mexico favoured at -250 odds against South Africa at Estadio Azteca, experts Brandt Sutton and Martin Green highlight the likelihood of a tight, defensive contest, while South Korea and Czechia are tipped for a more open encounter.
SportsLine soccer experts Brandt Sutton and Martin Green have released their betting predictions for the opening round of the 2026 World Cup, focusing on two matches scheduled for Thursday, June 11. The tournament kicks off with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the South Korea versus Czechia fixture at 10 p.m. ET.
Mexico enters the match as the clear favourite, listed at -250 money line odds on FanDuel Sportsbook. Sutton has backed the Under on total goals at -148 odds, citing Mexico’s strong defensive record leading into the tournament. The team has allowed just two goals in their past eight matches, including shutouts against Portugal, Ghana, and Australia.
Martin Green supports a combination bet of Mexico to win and under 3.5 goals. He noted that fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Mexico’s past five games. Green also pointed to South Africa’s recent form, observing that 11 of their last 13 matches saw under 3.5 goals, suggesting a tight and cagey affair where Mexico’s quality should secure the win.
The second match of the day sees South Korea take on Czechia. Sutton is backing both teams to score for a -110 payout. South Korea has scored six goals while conceding five in their past four matches, and both teams have scored in each of Czechia’s past four games.
Czechia, making their first World Cup appearance in 20 years, has shown offensive capability, scoring two or more goals in each of their final three World Cup qualifiers. South Korea has scored six goals across their last two matches, with both teams scoring in three of their four matches at the 2022 World Cup.
Estadio Azteca, which has undergone major renovations, will host the tournament opener. The 83,000-seat stadium is set to become the first venue in history to stage matches across three separate World Cup tournaments. It will host five matches in total during the expanded tournament, which spans Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player and SportsLine’s top soccer editor since 2017, factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups, and past performances to inform his decisions. He has been profitable across multiple leagues, including the Premier League and Bundesliga, since 2025, and on his Champions League picks in 2026.
