Bafana Bafana XI vs Mexico: Who will start for South Africa?

Bafana Bafana of South Africa will be up against co-hosts Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener that will be played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The highly anticipated fixture will be a repeat of the 2010 outing in Mzansi, where spoils were shared in the 1-1 draw. Hugo Broos hopes to be the first Bafana Bafana coach to steer the team into the knockout phase of the global competition.

The Republic of South Korea and the Czech Republic are the two other teams completing Group A.

Ready to bet? Find the best World Cup betting sites in Mzansi and win big.

Afrik-Foot analysed the possible starting team that Broos might consider against Mexico in the opening fixture. Have a look:

Goalkeeper:

Sipho Chaine has had his best season in the Premier Soccer League, where he has kept a record of clean sheets for Orlando Pirates. Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen was also vital as the Glamour Boys made a return to the CAF Confederation Cup by finishing third.

However, Ronwen Williams is the most exposed when it comes to high-profile fixtures for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, explaining why Hugo Broos is most likely to stick with his captain.

Defenders:

The contest for right and left full-back positions is non-negotiable owing to strong showings from Sundowns duo Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba. The two have always been consistent, which explains why Broos will most likely stick with them.

At the heart of the defence, Chicago Fire youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi is almost guaranteed a starting berth owing to his showings with the national team. Most probably, FCSB’s Siyabonga Ngezana might not be considered owing to his fitness concerns, while Nkosinathi Sibisi lacks that big-match experience when compared with Grant Kekana. The Masandawana man might get his chance alongside Mbokazi.

Midfielders:

Owing to the nature of the opponents Bafana Bafana will face, Broos might opt to go with two holding midfielders. Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole of CD Tondela might provide cover for the defence and ensure their is effective build-up from the back.

The two will also provide enough protection and ensure Relebohile Mofokeng is exempted from defensive duties, with the main duty being in the final third, where his creativity will be needed.

Remember you can be part of the game by always getting enough information to help you win. Check out our World Cup odds.

Attackers:

Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been playing abroad for a couple of years now, coming up against top defenders. Logically, Broos will let him lead the attacking department as the focal point.

Nevertheless, for him to deliver, he will need help from the flanks. Oswin Appollis has been effective on the right. Tshepang Moremi has been good for Bucs, but by playing in Europe, Thapelo Maseko of AEL Limassol has an advantage, which might see him start.