What to look forward to at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the Americas

Bafana need a strong start against co-hosts Mexico

- By Siyasanga Monoalibe

Bafana Bafana will be setting the tone of what will be a historic and memorable 2026 World Cup in the Americas when they take on co-hosts Mexico on Thursday night at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

The stadium brings with it a lot of nostalgia because that is where Bafana coach Hugo Broos played in the opening game of the World Cup in 1986 as a central defender for Belgium. Unfortunately, Broos was on the losing side, with a 2-1 defeat. As the coach of Bafana, he will hope to get his revenge on Thursday night.

But coming to the tournament itself, arguably the biggest sporting event in the world and certainly the most elite football competition, the 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted across three countries for the first time in its history.

The US, Canada and Mexico would have welcomed some of the biggest football stars in the world and the 48 football nations that will be competing for the 18-karat gold prestigious World Cup trophy.

Like any other major competition, there will be names of favourites thrown around, surprise packages that will win the hearts of the world and possibly one or two stars who will show up and set the scene alight.

The Favourites: