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The road to FIFA World Cup glory begins on Thursday, 11 June, when Bafana Bafana takes on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For South African football fans, the fixture carries a special sense of déjà vu. On 11 June 2010, South Africa and Mexico opened the FIFA World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg in a match that produced one of the tournament’s most iconic moments when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a stunning goal before the teams settled for a 1-1 draw. Sixteen years later, the two nations meet again to launch another World Cup campaign.
This time, however, Bafana Bafana will have to overcome not only a talented Mexican side but also the challenge of playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Mexico City. The hosts will be eager to make a winning start in front of their supporters as the world watches the first match of the expanded 48-team tournament.
South Africa arrives at the tournament as one of Africa’s hopefuls, guided by coach Hugo Broos and inspired by captain Ronwen Williams. While many football analysts have labelled Mexico as favourites, Bafana Bafana has built a reputation for upsetting stronger opponents and could once again surprise the football world.
The opening match is more than just three points. It is an opportunity for South Africa to announce itself on the global stage and begin its World Cup journey with confidence. A positive result could provide the momentum needed to progress beyond the group stage.
As kickoff approaches, millions of South Africans will be hoping that another memorable chapter can be written in the country’s World Cup history.
