Bafana set for Group A clash at World Cup

BAFANA Bafana will be out for revenge when they face Mexico at the 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match, having drawn 1-1 with them in the opening match of the 2010 tournament on home soil.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting in 2010 — more than 15 years ago - South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winners of a March playoff between Denmark, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and the Republic of Ireland.

Bafana will be based in Mexico for the group stage, setting the scene for both a homecoming and the renewal of an old rivalry. Coach Hugo Broos last featured at a World Cup as a player in 1986, when Mexico hosted.