Carlos Alberto Parreira has warned his South Africa side of the threat posed by what he describes as "the most daring team" at the World Cup ahead of their showdown with Mexico at Soccer City.

The two countries kick off the 19th edition of the finals and first ever on the African continent in Johannesburg on Friday with plenty of expectation on the host nation.

"Friday, as much as the pressure is big, it's a World Cup game, it's sort of a war," he said. "Opening games are always difficult, there is lots of pressure, the whole country is involved and you are playing under the eyes of the world."