The wait is almost over as the countdown ends at Azteca.
The 2026 FIFA World cup will be opened at the iconic stadium of Azteca in Mexico city, as the host nation Mexico will be facing south Africa in their opening match.
The two nations met in the opening match of the 2010 World cup where thrilled their supporters with an outstanding performance. Sixteen years later another chapter is about to be written between the two teams.
For the first time since 2010 South Africa makes its first time appearance with the coach Hugo Broos positive that his team is going to bring positive results.
Both in their last fixture friendlies Mexico Triumphed 5-1 against Serbia as South Africa Drew 1-1 against Jamaica.
Predicted Line-Up
Raul Jimenez is likely to lead the Mexico side with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in the midfield after an outstanding performance he has had with Liga MX’s club Tijuana.
Mexico: Raúl Rangel, Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jésus Gallardo, Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Brian Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jimenez, and Julián Qui’nones.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Bradley Cross, Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole, Oswin Apollis, Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster
Coaches’ and Players’ Comments
“For us it will be a very tough game. We need to be at our best level, and we also need a little bit of luck. But I can assure you that my team is ready and we will fight for every ball during the 90 minutes.” Said Hugo Broos.
”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.” He added.
“People think we are the favorites and that by the 20th minute we’ll already be winning by a landslide,” Aguirre stated. “This is football, there are many circumstances. Everyone wants to finish the game in the first half, but this lasts 90 minutes.”
He clarified that there is “no such thing as a small rival”. He explicitly praised South Africa’s technical structure under Hugo Broos, defining them as a tactical “mix of African and European styles” with incredibly dangerous left-side wingers
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