South Africa predicted XI vs Mexico for FIFA World Cup 2026 opener
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Bafana Bafana set to face Mexico in the opening World Cup game.
South Africa will open their FIFA World Cup 2026 quest against Mexico. It will mark the return of Bafana Bafana to the competition for the first time since 2010.
They are eager to put up a memorable performance in the competition. Following their display during the qualifiers, we can expect them to shock some of the big nations in the tournament.
Also read: Mexico vs South Africa: All-time head-to-head record
Which players are expected to make the South Africa starting lineup vs Mexico?
South Africa have got good news on Aubrey Modiba’s availability ahead of their opening Group A match at the 2026 World Cup against one of the co-hosts, Mexico. The match will be played on Thursday night (GMT).
Modiba finished a full training session at the national team’s World Cup 2026 base camp in Pachuca earlier this week after recuperating from a hamstring injury. The defender is now available for participation.
Manager Hugo Broos could choose the 30-year-old over Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross to start at left-back. Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Khuliso Mudau are set to make up the back four.
Ronwen Williams, the custodian for Mamelodi Sundowns, was a prominent player throughout World Cup qualifying and the Africa Cup of Nations, where they advanced to the round of 16. Few would be shocked if the 34-year-old skipper continued to play between the sticks.
Teboho Mokoena was the ineligible player at the centre of a qualification scandal that resulted in South Africa losing three points after defeating Lesotho. On Thursday, though, the 51-cap international can play in midfield with Yaya Sithole and Thalente Mbatha.
Lyle Foster, a striker for Burnley who scored in a 1-0 friendly win over Jamaica last Saturday, is anticipated to lead a three-man attack. Wingers Oswin Appollis and perhaps Tshepang Moremi or Relebohile Mofokeng should be in line to support him.
Also read: Mexico predicted XI vs South Africa for FIFA World Cup 2026 opener
South Africa’s predicted lineup vs Mexico
South Africa (4-3-3): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba; Thalente Mbatha, Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi
What time will the game start?
12 June, 12:30 am IST.
Which group are they in?
Group A.
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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.