The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and once again, South Africa and Mexico will face off in the opening match, just like they did back in 2010. So, whether you’re hosting a full-on watch party or simply shouting at the TV from the couch, it’s time to get match day-ready with these awesome avo snacks.
Avo-licious Snacks
This year, skip the usual greasy chips and heavy finger foods and add an avo to the line-up instead. South African avocados are the perfect halftime hero: fresh, delicious and packed with goodness, without feeling over-the-top indulgent.
The best part? Avos are incredibly versatile. From loaded guac and crunchy avo toast bites to biltong-and-avo skewers or spicy avo salsa, there are endless ways to serve up snacks Mzansi style.
Not only are avos delicious, but they’re also rich in naturally good fats and fibre, making them a smart snack choice.
And speaking of kick-offs, there’s no better football food than guacamole. Originally made famous in Mexico centuries ago, this creamy avo favourite feels especially fitting as South Africa and Mexico meet again on football’s biggest stage. Keep it classic with tomato, onion, chilli and lime, or give it a local twist with sweetcorn, biltong or piquanté peppers for extra ‘gees’.
Add an Avo
If chips are still part of your game day tradition, no problem — guac is the ultimate dip upgrade.
Not only are avos delicious, but they’re also rich in good fats and fibre, making them a smart snack choice while you settle in for 90 minutes (plus extra time). They contain nutrients that support overall wellness, and they’re a satisfying way to keep hungry fans happy from kick-off to the final whistle.
With avos in peak season during football season, there’s never been a better excuse to add an avo to your TV-side treats. Because when the football tension kicks in, the snacks are guaranteed winners.
And once the final whistle blows, why not keep the Mexican-inspired flavours going with a hearty Mexican Burrito Soup topped with fresh avo? It’s the perfect way to warm up a cold winter evening after all the match day excitement. Try these recipes and see for yourself…
Mexican Burrito Soup
Serves 4 | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Avocado or olive oil, for cooking
2 small wraps, cut into 1 cm strips
2 chicken breasts, cubed
5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to season
1 onion, chopped
½ yellow pepper, diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
410 g tin Mexican-style chopped tomatoes
750 ml (3 C) chicken stock
2 limes, cheeks cut off
1 avocado, sliced and/or diced
Handful coriander
1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional)
Method
Heat a splash of oil in a saucepan on medium-high and fry the wrap strips, in batches, for about 2 minutes, turning, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towel.
Combine the chicken, paprika and cumin. Add another splash of oil to the same pan and fry for about 5 minutes or until golden. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
To the same pan, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until golden. Add peppers and garlic and fry for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
Add tomatoes and stock, bring to a boil. Return the chicken, and cook for 8 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime juice (from the centres, not the cheeks) and season with salt and pepper.
Serve topped with avocado, remaining lime cheeks, crispy wrap strips, coriander and chilli, if using.
Quick Avocado Guacamole
Serves 4 | Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 medium tomatoes, seeds removed and roughly chopped
5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
4 spring onions, sliced
30 ml (2 Tbsp) lemon juice
30 ml (2 Tbsp) finely chopped fresh coriander
2,5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
Lemon wedges, to serve
Corn chips, to serve
Fresh coriander, to garnish
Method
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine.
Cover and allow to stand for 10 minutes for the flavours to develop.
Garnish and serve.
Need some help with that? Watch this step-by-step video to make the perfect Guacamole, Mzansi-style…
All images & recipes are courtesy of the South African Avocado Growers’ Association. For more information and avo-licious recipes, visit the website and social media pages below. #AddAnAvo
