Game Week 1 Key Games Betting Picks (1/2) | World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 kicks-off tonight at the Estadio Azteca, with Co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa. The Mexicans head into their first hosting of the World Cup since 1986 unbeaten in eight matches, and it is worth noting that El Tri have recorded a joint-best quarter-final showing in both their previous World Cups on home soil. This is hardly surprising given the high altitude of many Mexican stadiums, which may explain why almost half of Javier Aguirre’s squad are based domestically. Their recent unbeaten run includes draws against European heavyweights Belgium and Portugal, and they have conceded just two goals in this sequence.

The key games show also includes five other Matchday 1 matches, including the USA's opener against Paraguay. The road to the USA’s opening game at the 2026 World Cup has been a rocky one, and it's fair to suggest that the tournament co-hosts don’t seem entirely ready for their clash with Paraguay in Los Angeles. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have lost three of their four games in 2026, and they’ve kept just one clean sheet across their previous 14 internationals. Meanwhile, Paraguay return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, and certainly can't be dismissed after finished level on points with Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia in qualifying.