There are few dreams footballers want to realise more than representing their countries at the FIFA World Cup.
As Bafana Bafana gear up to face Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday, this will be more than a dream come true – it will be vindication.
Bafana had lost touch with global football for some time, given that, coincidentally, the last time they played in the global showpiece was when they hosted the tournament 16 years ago in South Africa.
However, they have spent the last five of those 16 years redefining their “football nation” tag, which is centred around kasi flair. Thanks to the tactical acumen of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana rediscovered their mojo and are back on the global stage.
Their return is quite symbolic. They will face El Tri in the opening match at the famous Azteca on June 11 – a repeat of the 2010 World Cup clash, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Africa’s biggest stadium, the 90,000-seater Soccer City in Soweto, south of Johannesburg.
Given their achievements in recent years, including a third-place finish at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – their best result in more than two decades – the country has restored its faith in Bafana.
As such, SuperSportBet is also fully behind the team ahead of their clash against co-hosts Mexico. They have four Bet Boosts on Bafana to Score at 3.00, Bafana to Win at 9.00, Bafana to Win or Draw at 3.00, and Lyle Foster to Score Anytime at 6.00.
A Dream Realised
Returning to the global showpiece has been a defining moment for everyone involved, particularly the players who are set to make their tournament debuts. That is why midfielder Teboho Mokoena says they want to showcase themselves to the world.
“It’s a dream come true for everyone,” said Mokoena during the pre-match press conference at the Azteca.
“Again, we just want to show the world what we are capable of. We are looking forward to the game – we are excited and honoured to represent our country on the biggest stage.”
Creating Their Own Legacy
The fact that Bafana’s clash against Mexico will be a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener has been embraced by both nations. They even held an exhibition match a few days ago in Mexico, with the squads from 16 years ago facing each other.
Mexico made home advantage count, winning 5-2. However, belief still reigns among South Africans that Bafana can win the main event on Thursday night. SuperSportBet has placed 8.00 odds on them to achieve that.
Mokoena is looking beyond the class of 2010, though, saying they can surpass the achievements of the 1998, 2002 and 2010 teams, all of whom exited the tournament in the group stage, and write their names into the history books.
“We haven’t spoken about the 2010 World Cup,” Mokoena revealed.
“As a team, we want to make our own history. Our country hasn’t gone to the knockout stage. So, coming to this tournament, we want to see ourselves going to the next round.”
Embracing The Underdog Tag
The odds are stacked against Bafana in the SuperSportBet Featured Bet Builder. However, with Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster having been the team’s go-to men for goals, there is still belief that they can achieve the improbable against the hosts.
A Featured Bet Builder of South Africa to Win | Oswin Appollis Over 0.5 Shots on Target | Lyle Foster Over 0.5 Shots on Target carries odds of 15.00.
Mokoena, just like Broos, has embraced the underdog tag.
“I think the probability is saying there is a 70% chance of us not going through or even winning the game, so we don’t have pressure – the pressure is on Mexico as the hosts,” Mokoena said.
“So, for us as a team, we know what is expected of us and how much we have prepared for this game and this tournament. We are just looking forward to the game.”
Drawing On Big-Match Experience
While Mokoena and company may have slimmer chances of winning the match, they boast players who have weathered many storms and overcome hostile environments in recent years at club level.
Mamelodi Sundowns players, including Mokoena, arrived in North America as reigning African champions after beating AS FAR in the final. They overcame the hostility of Moroccan ultras in the return leg, winning 2-1.
Given that the Azteca is expected to be filled to capacity with Mexican supporters cheering their team on, the atmosphere is likely to be intimidating for Bafana. But an early goal – with Bafana priced at 3.80 to score first on SuperSportBet – could help settle their nerves.
Broos is grateful to have the Sundowns contingent at his disposal and expects them to help guide their teammates through the hostile conditions.
“I think it’s very important to have those players in our selection,” Broos said.
“They are used to playing big games, Champions League games in Africa. They have great experience playing for a big club.
“There’ll be a big crowd and not much South African support. So, they’ll be a big help for the team, for sure.”
A Collective Mission
Mokoena is putting the collective effort first. He believes this is not only about Sundowns but about the entire squad making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“As a team, we really feel excited and motivated. We know that this isn’t a feeling you can experience every day,” Mokoena said.
“For all of us, it’s our first time at the World Cup – only the coach has been here before.
“We want to enjoy the experience, play together as a team and see ourselves going through to the next round. I told the guys during the week that we must enjoy the experience and not go home with regrets.”
A win or draw for Bafana against Mexico, priced at 2.70 by SuperSportBet, would go a long way towards boosting the team’s confidence ahead of their remaining group-stage matches against Czechia and South Korea.
That is why Broos knows that while they arrive at the Azteca as underdogs, they need to do their part from start to finish and let fortune and results take care of the rest.
“Mexico have nearly won their last 10 games. That means they are a team full of confidence. The reality is that Mexico are the best team in the group,” Broos said.
“It will be a tough game. We need to be at our best level and we will need a little bit of luck.
“I can assure you that my team is ready. We will fight for every metre and every ball during the 90 minutes. After that, we’ll see what the result is.”
Match Form Guide
Recent Form (Last Five Games)
- Mexico: D–D–W–W–W
- Bafana: L–D–L–D–D
Squad Availability
Injuries
- Mexico: N/A
- Bafana: N/A
Key Players To Watch
Raúl Jiménez – Mexico
Jiménez is El Tri’s leading No 9. He reached double figures for Fulham last season and will be hoping to carry that form into a World Cup on home soil, helping Mexico enjoy a successful tournament.
Teboho Mokoena – Bafana
Mokoena has been one of Bafana’s most consistent performers. He has repeatedly shown that he can step up when it matters most and influence games positively. He is brimming with confidence after helping Sundowns win their second African title.
Head-To-Head Record (World Cup Matches)
- Games Played: 1
- Mexico Wins: 0
- Bafana Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Predicted Line-Ups
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Mora, Álvarez, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jiménez, Vega.
Bafana (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Moremi, Zwane, Appollis; Foster.
Place Your Bets Today
The global stage is officially set for an epic encounter at the Azteca Stadium. Get behind Bafana Bafana as they kick off their historic tournament journey and explore all match markets, live betting opportunities, and exclusive outrights at SuperSportBet.
