The stage is set for what is expected to be an epic showdown when Bafana Bafana tackle hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Four years of blood, sweat, hard work, disappointment and joy will finally reach their climax when captain Ronwen Williams leads his teammates onto the pitch at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday afternoon.
It is a game that will keep a sizeable portion of the world’s population on the edge of their seats as coach Hugo Broos plots a way past an opponent that he has predicted will be difficult, given that the hosts will have the majority of the stadium behind them. The weatherman has predicted a 50 percent chance of rain in Mexico City on Thursday, and it remains to be seen how much of a factor this will contribute to the proceedings.
This match is a repeat of the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup where South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in Johannesburg — their only meeting at the FIFA World Cup — with Siphiwe Tshabalala putting Bafana Bafana in the lead before Rafael Márquez equalised. That 1-1 draw is remembered to this day and another gripping contest is expected at Estadio Azteca.
“For us it will be a very tough game. We need to be at our best level, and we also need a little bit of luck. But I can assure you that my team is ready and we will fight for every ball during the 90 minutes. After that, we will see what the result is,” said Broos.
Let the games begin.
SUPPLIED.
