The FIFA World Cup 2026 is nearly upon us, and for South African football fans, there is one fixture above all others that has the nation holding its breath. Bafana Bafana step onto the grandest stage in world football when they face Mexico in the host city of Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, kicking off at 21:00. It is a moment years in the making, a return to the World Cup for South Africa, and the anticipation back home is electric.
Bafana’s Big Moment
South Africa face a Mexico side that will be playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Mexico City Stadium, making this one of the most daunting possible opening assignments imaginable. El Tri, backed by thousands of vociferous supporters, will carry enormous expectations of their own. Yet Bafana have shown in recent AFCON campaigns that they are a side capable of competing with quality opposition on their day. Hugo Broos has built a resilient, organised unit, and the players will not lack for motivation. Half of South Africa will be glued to their screens well into Thursday night, willing the boys in yellow and green to deliver something special.
Africa’s Continental Pride on the Line
The African continent’s interests extend well beyond Bafana, however. One of the most mouth-watering fixtures of the weekend sees Brazil take on Morocco at the iconic New York New Jersey Stadium, with kickoff at 00:00 on Sunday, 14 June – technically the early hours of Sunday morning for South African viewers. Morocco, the team that stunned the world at Qatar 2022 by reaching the semi-finals, have continued to grow as a footballing nation. Facing the five-time world champions will be an enormous challenge, but the Atlas Lions have proved they fear nobody. This could be one of the ties of the tournament.
Other Fixtures to Watch
The weekend is packed with compelling action beyond the African storylines. On Friday, 12 June at 04:00, Korea Republic open their campaign against a technically gifted Czechia side in Guadalajara – a fixture that will test whether Son Heung-min and company can impose themselves against organised European opposition.
Later that same evening, Canada face Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto at 21:00 – a homecoming of sorts for the co-hosts, who will be desperate to make their mark in front of their own supporters. Canada have developed rapidly as a footballing nation and this opener in front of a home crowd represents a wonderful opportunity.
On Saturday, 13 June, the United States square off against Paraguay in Los Angeles at 03:00, while Qatar – making their second World Cup appearance – face a stern test against Switzerland in the San Francisco Bay Area from 21:00. Qatar will need to show significant improvement on their 2022 showing if they are to avoid an early exit.
Finally, Haiti take on Scotland in Boston at 03:00 on Sunday in what promises to be a compelling underdog narrative. Scotland, perennial nearly-men of international football, will start as favourites but Haiti are a proud footballing nation with genuine quality in their ranks.
It is a stunning opening weekend of World Cup football – and for South Africa, it all begins Thursday night in Mexico City. Amandla, Bafana.