Bafana Bafana are embracing the magnitude of the occasion as they prepare to face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The highly anticipated clash will officially kick off the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, with millions of fans around the globe expected to tune in while more than 80,000 spectators create a vibrant atmosphere inside one of football’s most iconic venues.
Head coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the unique challenge awaiting his players, many of whom will be experiencing such a grand stage for the first time.
“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” said Broos.
“So it will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands. We all know that there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.”
While South Africa’s travelling support may be vastly outnumbered, Broos believes his team will draw strength from the millions of supporters cheering them on from home.
“We know that we have the support of the nation and we felt it in the last few days, and last week when we started the preparations in South Africa. All of South Africa is supporting us,” he said.
“This is something we have to remember on Thursday when the game starts, that we are playing for our nation. We are playing for all those people who believe in us.”
Bafana Bafana have settled comfortably into their base camp in Pachuca since arriving in Mexico earlier this week. The squad is scheduled to travel to Mexico City on Tuesday as final preparations intensify ahead of their historic World Cup opener against the host nation.
With anticipation building and the eyes of the football world fixed on Estadio Azteca, South Africa will be hoping to make a memorable start to their World Cup campaign against one of the tournament favourites on home soil.
About the Author
