Ronwen Williams highlights Mexico’s biggest advantage as Bafana arrive in North America

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has outlined what he thinks will give Mexico the edge over South Africa at the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa will play the opening match of the World Cup against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11 and while there is excitement, there is also the realisation that it will be difficult for Hugo Broos’ men.

The game will rekindle the memories of 16 years ago when South Africa hosted Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, a tournament they staged, with the game ending 1-1.

Williams on Mexico’s main advantage

“Amazing team, highly experienced, has been part of the World Cup before,” Williams told Sporty TV when asked about what he thinks of Mexico.

“They have got the experience and the players and the most important thing is they have got their supporters and home ground advantage. Obviously, that is always key,” the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper added regarding what is Mexico’s biggest advantage.

Ronwen Williams speaks to SportyTV after arriving in Mexico! 🇿🇦🇲🇽

The Bafana Bafana captain shares his thoughts on facing the hosts in the opening game and what it means to play at the iconic Azteca Stadium 🏟️🌍🏆

🎙️ Gilberto Vicencio

🇿🇦 Get your World Cup Pass now and watch… pic.twitter.com/FhKT1brpMH

— SportyTV (@SportyTV) June 2, 2026

However, Williams believes coach Broos and his technical team will devise the right strategy to cope with all the threats of the Mexicans.

How will Bafana cope with co-hosts?

“We are excited, we will obviously analyse them, we will watch the games and I think it is going to be a good game,” he said, while expressing excitement at playing at Azteca, scene of the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals which were won by Brazil and Argentina respectively.

“That is historic, what it [Azteca] stands for in football. To feel the atmosphere,” the Bafana No.1 stated of the 83,000-seater stadium.

Bafana Bafana arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, having left South Africa on Monday, a day later than their planned travel date, as a visa delay had disrupted their programme.