Ahead of South Africa’s opening Group A fixture of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has issued a clear challenge to his squad: block out the deafening home crowd and focus on executing their game plan.
At 74 years old, Broos is no stranger to the electric atmosphere of the Azteca. The former Belgian international played at the very same stadium during the 1986 World Cup, when Belgium opened their campaign against the Mexican hosts. That firsthand experience means he knows exactly what his team is walking into on matchday.
A day before kickoff, South Africa’s squad wrapped up final preparations, completing a pitch walk at Estadio Azteca to familiarize themselves with the surface before a closed training session at Club America’s facility in the capital. Broos warned his players that the crowd will be overwhelmingly in favor of El Tri, with an estimated 85,000 passionate Mexican fans set to pack the stands and create a wall of noise that could unsettle less prepared sides.
“There will be barely any South African supporters in the stands, which gives Mexico a massive home advantage,” Broos told reporters ahead of the clash. “Eighty-five thousand Mexicans cheering and singing nonstop creates an intimidating environment, but we have to lock that out and stay focused on what we do. If we can avoid letting the atmosphere get to us, we have every chance to put in a strong performance.”
The South Africa boss labeled Mexico the clear favorite to top Group A, pointing to their recent impressive run of form to underscore the challenge his side faces. “They’ve won nearly all of their last 10 matches, so they’re coming into this game full of confidence,” Broos said. “They’re the best team in our group, so this will be one of the toughest tests we could have asked for. But my team is ready to fight for every inch of the pitch and every single ball. We’re not here to make up the numbers.”
Beyond the opening match, Broos also shared his candid thoughts on the new expanded 48-team World Cup format, admitting the revised structure creates far more logistical and physical strain for participating squads. South Africa is scheduled to travel across North America for their group stage fixtures, with upcoming matches set for Atlanta in the United States and Monterrey in northern Mexico, a cross-continental itinerary that far outpaces the travel requirements of previous smaller tournaments.
“It’s gotten a bit too big with 48 nations participating,” Broos said. “When Mexico hosted 40 years ago, the tournament was smaller, and even though the game has evolved and we have to adapt to modern demands, this format is undeniably more exhausting than past World Cups with fewer teams. But it’s the system we have now, so we accept it and do our best with what we’re given.”
As the world waits for the first kickoff of Group A, all eyes will be on whether Broos’ prepared side can withstand the Azteca roar and pull off an opening upset against the hosts.