South Africa, hosts of the 2010 World Cup will open the 48-team tournament with a match against one of the co-hosts for the 2026 edition taking place in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.
Mexico and South Africa previously met in the opening game of the first-ever World Cup to be staged in Africa.
During that encounter, Siphiwe Tshabalala put Bafana Bafana in the lead through a spectacular uopening goal before Rafael Marquez equalized for El Tri.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has admitted that Mexico is the strongest team in the group, but his side will fight for a positive result till full time.
In a pre-match interview, Broos hinted at going pound for pound with the hosts as he aims to close them off from having more space. The match will kick off at 21:00 CAT.
“Mexico is the strongest team in the group, so tomorrow will be a very tough game for us. I can assure you that my team is ready, and we’ll fight for every meter and every ball for the full 90 minutes. After that, we’ll see,” Broos said.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana captain Teboho Mokoena also highlighted the weight of expectation on the team.
“Of course, the expectations are very high, and it’s going to be an amazing game, with an amazing atmosphere. As a team, we’re looking forward to the game, and we’re excited. We know how much it means to everyone back home,” Mokoena said.
And Mexican coach Javier Aguirre said the mentality and home fanbase will be key for them.
“I haven’t experienced a greater thrill in 50 years of football than playing in a World Cup at home. I’ve lived through a lot, but this is unforgettable. That’s what I’ve told the boys, and I think I’ve convinced them. They feel comfortable; it’s something very powerful, and they have grown together like a family. They express it openly.”
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