Mexico vs. South Africa: Bafana Bafana Return to the World Cup in 2026 Opening Match

From 2010 Hosts to 2026 Hopefuls: South Africa’s World Cup Journey Comes Full Circle Against El Tri 

For South African football fans, the opening match of the 2026 World Cup will carry a sense of deja vu, as it was in this very fixture that Bafana Bafana stood across the pitch from Mexico at Soccer City when they hosted football’s grandest tournament back in 2010. 

The memories of 2010 remain vivid, as South Africa became the first nation from Africa to host the World Cup. Indeed, while Bafana Bafana ultimately fell short of the knockout stages that year, the tournament left an enduring legacy and united Mzansi behind their boys. 

Few can forget the moment that Siphiwe Tshabalala’s opening goal sent the thousands in attendance and millions watching across the nation into raptures. Now, for a new generation of players and supporters, 2026 represents an opportunity to create their own chapter in South Africa’s football history. 

While the circumstances are different, the emotions are familiar. From hosts to hopefuls, Bafana Bafana’s World Cup journey has come full circle, with Mexico once again playing a part in the story, and you can find all the key information for this blockbuster matchup in our Mexico vs South Africa prediction.

Check out our World Cup predictions 

Mexico Enter 2026 World Cup As Clear Favourites to Top Group A 

While South Africa may be dreaming of a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, it certainly will not be an easy task, as they are the lowest-ranked team (60th) in Group A, which features Mexico (14th), South Korea (25th) and the Czech Republic (40th). 

As discussed in our World Cup predictions, El Tri are the clear favourites to clinch top spot in the group and progress to the knockout stages. This will also be their 18th appearance in a World Cup, a record for any nation from the CONCACAF region. 

Additionally, Javier Aguirre’s side have not lost any of their last seven opening matches at a World Cup since the 1994 edition against Norway (W5 D2), nor have they tasted defeat in their last seven World Cup games here at Estadio Azteca (W5 D2). 

In contrast, South Africa played to a 1-1 draw against Jamaica at Estadio Miguel Hidalgo last Saturday and are now winless in their five matches in all competitions (D3 L2), dating back to their final group-stage match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against neighbours Zimbabwe. 

Mexico: Last Five Match Results

South Africa: Last Five Match Results

See our Mexico vs South Africa prediction

Player Focus: Raul Jimenez vs. Oswin Appollis

There is no doubt that Mexico have the more well-established lineup coming into tonight’s curtain-raiser. El Tri’s squad blends established leaders with emerging talent, but with that comes the burden of expectation. 

Aguirre’s attack will be spearheaded by Raul Jimenez, who, despite receiving praise for his link-up play and intelligence, has also faced his fair share of criticism in the past for failing to deliver in front of goal as often as his team would have hoped. 

Still, at 35, Jimenez remains the focal point of the co-hosts' forward line and comes into the tournament off the back of another solid season with Premier League outfit Fulham, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, South Africa’s attack will be led by Lyle Foster, who also spent last season in England’s top flight with Burnley but suffered relegation, with the Clarets finishing second-bottom on the table with just 22 points from their 38 league games. 

However, Foster’s greatest strength is his hold-up play, which will be crucial to unlocking those around him, particularly Oswin Appollis, who was involved in twice as many goals as any of his teammates during the CAF qualifiers, scoring twice and providing four assists. 

Appollis joined Orlando Pirates at the start of last season and helped the Bucs bring an end to Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year reign as PSL champions by scoring nine goals and six assists in 30 league games, while also chipping in with three goals and three assists in cup competitions. 

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