The 2026 World Cup kicks off this Friday morning (AEST) with a high-stakes Group A double-header. Co-hosts Mexico open the tournament on home soil against South Africa at the famous Estadio Azteca, followed by an evenly matched clash between South Korea and Czechia in Guadalajara.
Below is our free betting guide for Day 1 of the World Cup – good luck to everyone following along!
World Cup 2026 Day 1 Predictions & Betting Tips
World Cup Day 1 Daily Multi
We have combined our top selections from the core markets into a high-value multi-leg slip to start the tournament.
Leg 1: Mexico vs South Africa – Mexico to Win @ $1.40
Leg 2: Mexico vs South Africa – Under 3.5 Goals @ $1.22
Leg 3: South Korea vs Czechia – Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.64
Mexico vs South Africa Prediction, Odds & Best Bet
Kick-off: Friday 12 June, 05:00 AEST (Live on SBS & SBS On Demand)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Odds: Mexico ($1.40) | Draw ($4.50) | South Africa ($9.00)
In a fascinating twist of fate, this is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener. Sixteen years ago, hosts South Africa held Mexico to a 1-1 draw; now, Mexico enjoys the massive home advantage.
Under Javier Aguirre, El Tri are expected to control possession in front of a hostile, packed Estadio Azteca. Raul Jimenez is tipped to lead the line over Santiago Gimenez, supported by captain Edson Alvarez. South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, arrive as heavy outsiders and will rely on defensive discipline and quick transitions through Burnley striker Lyle Foster. Opening tournament matches are traditionally tense, low-scoring affairs, making a controlled home win the smartest angle.
Correct Score Prediction: Mexico to win 2-0 @ $5.50
Mexico to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
$1.85 (2 Units)
South Korea vs Czechia Prediction, Odds & Best Bet
Kick-off: Friday 12 June, 12:00 AEST (Live on SBS & SBS On Demand)
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Odds: South Korea ($2.60) | Draw ($3.10) | Czechia ($2.80)
This Group A fixture presents a complete clash of styles and is incredibly tough to call. Hong Myung-bo’s South Korea went unbeaten in their AFC qualifying campaign and boast immense transitional threat through Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang Hee-chan.
Conversely, Miroslav Koubek’s Czechia relies on a highly physical, direct European approach. Over 50% of their qualifying goals came from dead-ball situations, and they will aggressively target Patrik Schick and Tomas Soucek. With South Korea’s pace countering Czechia's set-piece dominance, these two evenly matched sides are highly likely to cancel each other out in a tight battle.
Correct Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw @ $5.50
Under 2.5 Goals
$1.64 (1.5 Units)
