Get ready, South Africa! The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a blockbuster, and Bafana Bafana are set to kick things off against Mexico. The iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue steeped in World Cup history, will host this highly anticipated match on June 11th. This marks South Africa's return to the World Cup stage after their home tournament in 2010.
Deja Vu? A Repeat of 2010's Opening Game
Interestingly, this opening match mirrors the 2010 World Cup, where South Africa also faced Mexico in the opener. While that game ended in a draw, Bafana Bafana ultimately failed to progress beyond the group stage. This time around, they'll be aiming for a different outcome.
Adding to the excitement, former Bafana Bafana striker Katlego 'Killer' Mphela has expressed his confidence in the team's potential. He believes that maintaining the core of the team and fostering a strong fighting spirit will be crucial for success. Mphela emphasized that performance and deservingness should be the key criteria for selecting players, regardless of where they play.
Other Key Matches to Watch
Beyond the opening match, the 2026 World Cup promises a series of compelling encounters. Defending champions Argentina are drawn against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, while Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. France is set for a rematch against Senegal, recalling their memorable upset in the 2002 tournament. England will begin their campaign against Croatia, a team that defeated them in the 2018 semi-finals.
- Mexico vs South Africa (June 11th)
- United States vs Paraguay (June 12th)
- Canada vs Playoff Winner (Possibly Italy) (June 12th)
With the draw now complete, teams and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the final schedule to find out the exact venues and kickoff times. The anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup!