The stage is set for arguably the biggest game of the current Bafana Bafana squad’s careers – when they play the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico on Thursday.
Bafana will be returning to the elite football stage for the first time since they hosted the competition in 2010.
What makes this a special moment for Bafana and coach Hugo Broos is that billions of people around the world will be watching an exciting group of South African players, mostly from humble beginnings, set the tone of the biggest football competition in the world.
Over 80,000 spectators are expected to fill the Estadio Azteca.
This stadium carries a lot of history. Forty years ago, Broos played for Belgium against hosts Mexico in the 1986 World Cup opener.
‘We must give our all’
Teboho Mokoena, who was born in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, in the Free State province, said that he and his teammates are aware of what is at stake, and the pressure of playing in an opening match of the World Cup. He was speaking during a press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the colossal clash.
“What I told the guys during the week when we had the meeting, I said we must be here to enjoy the experience,” said Mokoena.
“As soon as we go home, we must not have regrets. We must give our all so that we’re not going to have regrets when we go back home.
“We’re looking forward to the games, and we’re excited, man. You can see our faces that we’re excited. Of course, the expectations are very high; it’s going to be an amazing game and amazing atmosphere,” he added.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to the game. We know how much it means to our people back home and ourselves. We are looking forward to the game,” Mokoena added.
The game is scheduled to get underway at 9pm (SA time).
Read more:
Komphela says Bafana have what it takes to stun Mexico in World Cup opener
‘Bafana will not beat Mexico, it will be loss or draw’ – Junior Khanye
- Bafana Bafana will play the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico, marking their return to the tournament since hosting in 2010.
- The game will take place at Estadio Azteca, with over 80,000 spectators expected, a stadium rich in World Cup history.
- Coach Hugo Broos, who played in the 1986 World Cup opener at the same venue, leads a squad mostly from humble backgrounds, attracting global attention.
- Midfielder Teboho Mokoena emphasized the team’s focus on enjoying the experience and giving their all to avoid future regrets.
- The match kickoff is scheduled for 9pm South African time, amid high expectations and excitement from both the team and fans.
Bafana will be returning to the elite football stage for the first time since they hosted the competition in 2010.
What makes this a special moment for Bafana and coach Hugo Broos is that billions of people around the world will be watching an exciting group of
Over 80,000 spectators are expected to fill the Estadio Azteca.
Teboho Mokoena, who was born in
“What I told the guys during the week when we had the meeting, I said we must be here to enjoy the experience,” said Mokoena.
“As soon as we go home, we must not have regrets. We must give our all so that we’re not going to have regrets when we go back home.
“We’re looking forward to the games, and we’re excited, man. You can see our faces that we’re excited. Of course, the expectations are very high; it’s going to be an amazing game and amazing atmosphere,” he added.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to the game. We know how much it means to our people back home and ourselves. We are looking forward to the game,” Mokoena added.
Read more:
Komphela says Bafana have what it takes to stun Mexico in World Cup opener
'Bafana will not beat Mexico, it will be loss or draw' - Junior
