South Africa lineup vs Mexico confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

South Africa take on Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at Estadio Azteca tonight.

South Africa will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 11, taking on co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This is a repeat of the opener from the 2010 edition, with Bafana Bafana being the visiting side this time.

The upcoming match is a big test for the African visitors. Hugo Broos’ men secured qualification on merit through a gruelling CAF qualifying campaign. Despite being ranked 60th in the FIFA men’s rankings, the away side will be looking to crash the Mexican party in the upcoming match.

Belgian head coach Broos himself said in December that his side “have nothing to lose” when facing a strong Mexican national team in front of an 87,000-odd crowd. A positive result tonight will be key for Bafana Bafana if they want to qualify from a strong Group A, which also contains South Korea and Czech Republic.

Let’s look at the confirmed South Africa lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Mexico:

South Africa (5-3-2): Ronwen Williams (C); Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners

Substitutes: Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Khulumani Ndamane, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Thabang Matuludi, Bradley Cross, Thalente Mbathe, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Evidence Makgopa

Thoughts on the South Africa lineup

Burnley attacker Lyle Foster is the main man for Bafana Bafana, and he will start up top alongside Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners in a two-man attack. Surprisingly, Broos opted to drop Oswin Appollis, who had six goal contributions in the World Cup qualifiers, from the starting line-up.

Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole will likely anchor the middle of the park, and they were joined by Jayden Adams in a three-man midfield. Khuliso Mudau started at the right-back position; Aubrey Modiba, who recovered from a hamstring injury, started at left back. Broos opted for a five-man defence, with three centre-backs starting.

Ronwen Williams, known for his penalty heroics in the 2023 AFCON, started between the sticks for the visitors.

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