After 1,271 days of waiting, the FIFA World Cup is back. Nearly four years ago, Argentina took down France to claim the title for the third time, but that’s in the past now. All focus lies on the 2026 World Cup, which will begin at 3 p.m. ET (1 p.m. local) with a match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
El Tri will be headlined by Raúl Jiménez, a longtime forward for Premier League sides Fulham and Wolves with 102 caps and 35 goals for the Mexican national team.
Throughout the World Cup, DraftKings Network will be highlighting some of the stars of the tournament, tracking their performances in all of their matches. Here’s how Jiménez performed against South Africa:
Mexico vs. South Africa odds
El Tri is a -230 favorite to claim all three points at DraftKings Sportsbook, and Bafana Bafana is +750. There are +340 odds that the teams will share the spoils.
Raúl Jiménez prop bets, odds
- 1st Goalscorer: +400
- Anytime Goalscorer: +150
- 2+ Goals: +850
- Shots: 2+ (-650), 3+ (-210), 4+ (+120), 5+ (+265), 6+ (+600)
- Shots on Target: 1+ (-370), 2+ (+120), 3+ (+390), 4+ (+1200)
- Assists: 1+ (+550)
Tracking Raúl Jiménez
Follow along as DKNetwork tracks Jiménez’s performance against South Africa! This section will be updated.
90’+8: And that’s it! The first match of the 2026 World Cup is in the books, and Montes red card aside, it’s a dream start for Mexico and a nightmare start for South Africa! Jiménez gets on the board with his first World Cup goal, and El Tri lead Group A!
90’+2: A third red card, but this time for Mexico! Mudau was clear on goal for South Africa, and Cesar Montes brought him down to earn himself a red card. While it won’t change the result, that’ll suspend Montes for the second group match against Korea Republic.
84′: And after a VAR review, it’s another red card for South Africa! Bafana Bafana are down to nine man, as Themba Zwane gets sent off for a swipe to Alvarado’s head. The result was already pretty secure for Mexico, but that’ll make South Africa’s challenge even steeper.
76′: And that’ll do it for Raúl Jiménez, as Erik Lira comes into the game for El Tri! An excellent performance for the native of Tepeji, Hidalgo comes to an end.
74′: No; it’s called off. No penalty.
73′: Jiménez is free in front of goal and gets brought down in the box by Sibisi! The referee points to the spot, but will it stand?
72′: Jiménez is free down the left wing, but the flag comes up! Offsides.
67′: GOAAAAAAAAL, RAÚL JIMÉNEZ!!! He starts the break with an excellent touch pass to Quiñones, runs to the center of goal, and Alvarado finds him with a beautiful cross from the right wing! He beats a diving Williams into the left side of the net, and the tearful celebrations ensue! Jiménez anytime goal scorer (+150) cashes and Mexico (-230 ML) inches closer to securing all three points! That’s his fifth shot (+265) and third shot on target (+390) of the game, and it all results in his first ever World Cup goal!
66′: Not related to Jiménez, but 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at this World Cup, is coming on for El Tri!
63′: Some pretty passive play from Mexico here since South Africa’s red card. Jiménez hasn’t had a touch in several minutes.
52′: Poor effort from Jiménez there, as he shoots it straight into the wall. Still, 4+ shots (+120) cashes.
50′: It’s a red card for South Africa! Sithole brings down Brian Gutiérrez on the edge of the penalty box. Bafana Bafana is down to 10 men, and now Mexico has a free kick in a very, very dangerous position. Jiménez looks set to take the free kick.
46′: We’re back in action! Will there be more action for Jiménez this half?
45’+4: The referee blows for halftime, and it’s Mexico 1, South Africa 0. El Tri had a golden chance right before the whistle, but Brian Gutierrez didn’t square it to Jiménez and instead missed wide.
42′: OH, a flying volley by Jiménez, and he just gets it with his toe! Williams just gets his fingertips to it diving to the left and pushes it wide! That’s three shots (-210), including two on target (+120), already!
35′: Gallardo had Jiménez in front of goal and passed it, but Williams got in front. Would’ve been a sure goal if it had reached his feet, but it stays 1-0, Mexico!
28′: We’re back after the hydration back. El Tri are thoroughly out-playing Bafana Bafana so far.
25′: It’s the hydration break now. No touches in a dangerous position from Jiménez over the last 12 minutes of action.
13′: After the corner, Jiménez’s header pops straight up in the air, and it’s an easy catch by Williams near the right post. It’s off target, but 2+ shots (-650) cashes.
12′: Corner, Mexico, drawn by Jiménez.
9′: It’s a goal, but not for Jiménez! El Tri are 1-0 in front after an excellent strike by Julián Quiñones, right through Williams’ legs.
5′: What a near miss by Jiménez! His left-footed half-volley from the edge of the box is saved by Ronwen Williams in front of the left side of the goal. Jiménez 1+ Shots on Target (-370) cashes on his first touch of the game!
1′: And we’re off! We have kickoff at the Estadio Azteca, and the 2026 World Cup is underway. Jiménez’s first World Cup start is official. Mexico (-230 ML) starts with possession.
Additional World Cup Coverage
For additional World Cup coverage from the DraftKings Network, check out the World Cup landing page here:
- 2026 World Cup Group A Preview: Predictions, Top Scorers, Dark Horses
- Mexico World Cup Preview: Predictions, Betting Odds
- Mexico vs. South Africa prediction, pick for Thursday 6/11/26
- World Cup 2026: Mexico vs. South Africa Lineups, Odds
NOTE: Prop bet rulings are subject to official scoring and could change after the match.
