Mexico Brace for Bafana in World Cup Kick-Off
Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez says El Tri carry a “big responsibility” as host nation when they face Bafana Bafana in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico were drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea, and a yet-to-be-confirmed European play-off winner. The curtain-raiser immediately evokes memories of the iconic 2010 World Cup opener, where Bafana held Mexico to a 1–1 draw at FNB Stadium.
Álvarez says he is satisfied with the draw, but insists the hosts cannot afford any complacency.
“I’m happy because we have faced those rivals before,” Álvarez told TUDN.
“You feel a responsibility as one of the hosts to open this great event. We rely on the extra support from the fans, and opening against South Africa helps. We can do great things.”
Mexico forward Raúl Jiménez echoed Álvarez’s caution, noting the threat posed by both South Korea and Bafana Bafana.
“There won’t be any easy opponents, but it could have been worse,” Jiménez told ESPN.
“It’s a good group — we can learn a lot. We’ll take it one game at a time because our goal is to win and finish first.”
South Africa will enter the opener aiming to spoil the hosts’ party once again — just as they did in 2010.