South Africa handed positive injury news ahead of 2026 World Cup opener vs Mexico
(Courtesy :Â Getty Images)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s first game will be between Mexico and South Africa.
Aubrey Modiba completed his first full training session at South Africa’s squad base in Pachuca. This news comes after being sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final last month.
The injury occurred after Modiba scored a spectacular free kick for Mamelodi Sundowns in their first-leg match against Moroccan side AS FAR. They went on to win on aggregate despite missing the left-back in the second leg.
Bradley Cross of Kaizer Chiefs was called up to the Bafana Bafana team for the World Cup as a replacement. This was in case Modiba’s injury did not heal in time for the tournament. But Modiba is expected to play.
Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament’s opener on Thursday in Mexico City. They will follow it up with Group A matches against Czechia in Atlanta (June 18) and South Korea in Monterrey (June 24).
Modiba’s extensive experience makes him a likely starter against Mexico. This is assuming the medical staff is confident he can play the full 90 minutes.
Modiba’s return to training prior to the opening World Cup game
Regarding Modiba’s condition, coach Hugo Broos earlier stated that the player is making good progress and is anticipated to resume full team training.
“No, I think things are going well with Aubrey and we’ll give him special treatment, so I think from tomorrow he will train with the group,” the South Africa coach said.
Modiba’s probable return is especially vital for Bafana Bafana, given his importance to the team. The Mamelodi Sundowns star is widely considered South Africa’s most experienced and dependable left-back. He has played an important role for both his club and country in recent years.
When is South Africa’s opening World Cup game?
12 June, 12:30 am IST against Mexico.
Will Aubrey Modiba play in the first World Cup 2026 game?
He has just returned to training; hence, it remains to be seen.
In which position does he play?
He operates as a left-back.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.