South Africa will launch their World Cup campaign at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where a capacity crowd is expected to create a cauldron-like atmosphere for the visitors. The match will officially kick off the month-long football spectacle and is set to attract millions of viewers from around the globe.

For many of the players in the South African squad, it will be their first experience of competing on football’s grandest stage, and Broos believes managing the occasion will be just as important as dealing with the challenge posed by Mexico.

Ronwen Williams - Morgan Piek

The experienced Belgian mentor acknowledged that the magnitude of the event could be overwhelming, particularly with the vast majority of supporters inside the stadium expected to back the home side. However, he stressed the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand and not allowing the noise and excitement surrounding the occasion to become a distraction.

Broos admitted that South Africa’s travelling support will be heavily outnumbered in the stands, but said the squad has drawn inspiration and confidence from the encouragement they have received from supporters back home in recent weeks.

“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.”

According to the coach, the team has felt the backing of South Africans throughout their preparations and understands the responsibility that comes with representing the country on such a prestigious stage. He said the players must remember they are not only playing for themselves, but for millions of supporters who have placed their faith in them.

“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 for the World Cup in South Africa. All of South Africa is supporting us. 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 spent the past few days settling into their training base in Pachuca, where preparations for the tournament have progressed smoothly. The squad is expected to travel to Mexico City on Tuesday as attention turns fully to Thursday’s highly anticipated showdown.

With the opening match fast approaching, Broos’ men are eager to embrace the challenge and test themselves against one of the tournament’s fancied teams in front of a packed Estadio Azteca crowd. 

Lyle Foster - Morgan Piek

It promises to be a landmark occasion for South African football as Bafana Bafana begin their World Cup journey under the bright lights of the biggest sporting event on the planet.

For the players, it is an opportunity to write a new chapter in the country's football history. For the supporters back home, it is a chance to rally behind a team determined to make the nation proud on the world stage.

Thursday night’s eagerly anticipated opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa will kick-off at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport