South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has told his players to embrace the moment when they face Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana will play the co-hosts in a Group A clash at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
The match will officially open the tournament, with millions of fans around the world expected to watch.
For many players in the South Africa squad, this will be their first time playing at a World Cup. Broos believes his team must handle the emotions of the occasion and stay focused on their plan.
“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” Broos said.
“It will be very important for us to stick to our game plan and not be distracted by what is happening in the stands. We all know there will be thousands of Mexican supporters inside the stadium and maybe only a few South Africans.”
The atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca is expected to be intense, with Mexico receiving huge support from the home crowd.
However, Broos said South Africa should take confidence from the support they are receiving from fans back home.
“We know that we have the support of the nation, and we have felt it over the last few days and during our preparations in South Africa,” he said.
“All of South Africa is supporting us. This is something we have to remember when the game starts on Thursday – that we are playing for our nation. We are playing for all those people who believe in us.”
South Africa travelled to Mexico City on Tuesday to complete their final preparations for the opening match.
The game also brings back memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in the opening match in Johannesburg.
Sixteen years later, the two teams will meet again to start another World Cup.
