Mexico coach reveals why he fears ‘European style’ Bafana as he eyes revenge

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has a score to settle as his team prepares to face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on June 11.

The fixture offers a chance at redemption for Aguirre, who experienced one of his career’s most significant setbacks at the hands of Bafana Bafana.

Aguirre was at the helm of the Egyptian national team when they were shockingly eliminated by South Africa in the round of 16 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat was a major upset for the host nation and sent ripples through Egyptian football.

The Pharaohs, who were finalists in the previous edition and would reach the final again in 2021, had high expectations of winning the tournament on home soil. However, a late goal from Thembinkosi Lorch in Cairo ended their campaign and ultimately cost Aguirre his job.

Aguirre on why he is wary of Bafana

“South Africa have done well and beat me in the African Cup,” Aguirre acknowledged to reporters as quoted by Flashscore. “They are a fierce team, not exactly with an African style, but a mix with European football. They have a Belgian coach [Hugo Broos] and some interesting players. I have the utmost respect for them. It won’t be easy.”

The opening match of a World Cup is one of the most anticipated events in global sports, second only to the final itself. Aguirre is hopeful that the clash at the iconic Azteca Stadium will meet the high expectations.

“Let’s hope it is a good one and lives up to the occasion,” he stated.

Aguirre has also emphasised the significant advantage of playing on home turf, calling it “priceless.”

Mexico coach counting on home support

“That’s what I tell my players, playing at home is priceless,” he said. “England were champions at home and never again. I have a lot of faith that the fans will encourage us, help us, and that the whole country will be behind us.”

When asked about his state of mind ahead of the tournament, Aguirre dismissed any feelings of nervousness, instead expressing his excitement for the opportunity.

“Neither one (nervous) nor the other (anxious),” he explained. “I’m genuinely excited. I’m one of the lucky ones, truly lucky.”

“We are in our best physical, athletic and even mental shape. The players are very excited. None of them has experienced anything like this before. We’re all eager for the moment to arrive.”

How are South Africa’s rivals faring?

In their final preparations, Mexico is set to play Serbia on Thursday after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Australia.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Group A opponents, South Korea, concluded their warm-up schedule with a 1-0 win against El Salvador, following a dominant 5-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago.

Bafana Bafana will play their last friendly against Jamaica on Friday, with hopes that left-back Aubrey Modiba will be fit to return from a hamstring injury.