Just like the 2010 edition, South Africa will play the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico with the tie scheduled for Thursday, June 11 at the Azteca Stadium.
The Bafana Bafana take on one of the tournament’s co-hosts in Group A that also has South Korea and Czechia competing.
Speaking ahead of the big game, South Africa head coach Hugo Broos shared his belief in his players to perform well against a team that is desperate to win the opening game in seven World Cup appearances.
“There will be a big crowd and there will not be so much South African support. They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing but we have to focus on our game. And if we are not too influenced by the noise, then we can have a good game.”

“They’ll be a team with confidence…they’re the best team in the group. We need to be at our best level, but I can assure you our team is ready to fight for every metre and every ball” Broos said.










