Soccer <\/p>\n
Hugo Broos is confident his South Africa side are as well-prepared as possible to beat Mexico in the 2026 World Cup curtain-raiser.<\/p>\n
Bafana Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament, in what is a repeat of the first fixture of the 2010 edition in South Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is the first time an opening fixture has ever been repeated from the 19 previous single-match World Cup openers, and Broos’ side enter the competition in need of a win.\u00a0<\/p>\n
South Africa drew both their pre-tournament friendlies against\u00a0Nicaragua and Jamaica, with this their first World Cup appearance away from home soil since 2002.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They finished top of their group in CAF qualifying for the World Cup, one point ahead of Nigeria.<\/p>\n
Excluding a 3-0 awarded loss against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, South Africa\u00a0trailed in only one qualifier, in a 2-0 defeat\u00a0to Rwanda in November 2023.<\/p>\n
They face a Mexico team\u00a0that are unbeaten in their seven World Cup matches at the Mexico City venue (W5 D2), and Broos acknowledged the difficulties his side will face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We know what to do against Mexico. We know what to do when they have the ball and when we have possession. Everything is focused on this game,”\u00a0said Broos.<\/p>\n
“They are all dangerous, they are a very good team with a lot of movement and solidarity. You can see they really want to be world champions.”<\/p>\n
\nIt’s Match Day -1
\nAre you ready Mzansi? 1 more day until we kick off against Mexico\u00a0in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener! The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams! Lets goooo!!!<\/p>\n\u200b#BafanaPride<\/a>@adidasfootball<\/a> @adidasZA<\/a> @REXONA_SA<\/a>\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/XdHDDRokMu<\/a><\/p>\n