World Cup draw: Mexico coach explains what worries him about Bafana Bafana

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World Cup draw: Mexico coach explains what worries him about Bafana Bafana
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre is wary about Bafana Bafana. Photo - Imago

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre has given his opinion regarding Bafana Bafana who are among the opponents his team will face at the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa will renew their rivalry yet again as they will play the first match of the 2026 World Cup, on the exact day when they faced off in the opener of the 2010 tournament in Johannesburg.

This time, Mexico, who are co-hosts of the tournament, will be at home, welcoming Bafana Bafana to the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2026, hoping to pick up from where they left off in 2010.

On that day, both teams played out a 1-1 draw after Rafael Marquez cancelled out Simphiwe Tshabalala’s cracker and Aguirre was in the dugout as he led El Tri to the Round of 16 of the tournament.

What has Aguirre said about Bafana?

Bafana Bafana

The 67-year-old knows such matches can be tricky and while his team are fancied, given they are 15th on the FIFA ranking, 46 places ahead of South Africa, he remains wary of the dangers Bafana Bafana can pose to his side.

“It could have been any other (opponent), the truth is no, you can’t underestimate anyone or think a priori that because on paper they are inferior or superior, the match shouldn’t be played,” Aguirre told Diario Cambio 22 as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“South Africa is not the same as Algeria or Egypt. That’s what I wanted, European (pre-tournament opponents). I think that so far, we’re on the right track with our preparations.

Mexico and South Africa are familiar foes

Mexicos Carlos Vela and Aaron Mokoena of South Africa vie for the ball at 2020. World Cup 1

“I have a core group of players, I already have 80 or 90% of the team, so we just have to hope they all have a good six months and that some surprises emerge.”

South Africa and Mexico know each other too well, having faced off four times already, with the Latin Americans winning two, one victory for Bafana Bafana before the 1-1 draw at the 2010 World Cup.

South Korea and a European team, coming from a playoff involving Denmark, Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia and Czech Republic complete the group.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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