When the 2026 World Cup draw handed South Africa a date with destiny, the tournament opener against co-hosts Mexico at the renovated Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, it felt like history looping back on itself.
Bafana Bafana opened the 2010 World Cup against the same opponents now they get to do it again, on a stage that will be louder, faster and, crucially, higher. Group A reads Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and the winner of UEFA Path D Denmark / North Macedonia / Czech Republic / Republic of Ireland. That's a manageable, competitive pool, one where preparation, bravery and clear tactical identity could send South Africa beyond the group stage for the first time.
First, the simple arithmetic of the new World Cup. With 48 teams split into 12 groups of four, the top two in each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a round of 32. That structural change raises the odds for sides like South Africa: a route exists to the knockouts even if Bafana don't finish first or second, but the margin for error is still small and every point and goal difference will count.
