‘Pressure Is On Them!’ — Mokoena
Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena believes the pressure will be firmly on co-hosts Mexico when the two nations meet in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca on Thursday evening.
South Africa returns to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2010 and will once again begin its World Cup campaign against Mexico, the same nation it faced in the tournament opener on home soil 16 years ago.
On that occasion, the sides played to a memorable 1-1 draw, highlighted by Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal.
Despite Mexico’s greater World Cup experience, having featured in the previous three editions while Bafana Bafana were absent, Mokoena insists the hosts are the ones carrying the burden of expectation.
“As I said, even the probability is saying we have a seven percent chance of going to the next round or even winning the game tomorrow, so we don’t have pressure,” he said.
“The pressure is on Mexico because they are the hosts. For us as a team, we know what is expected of us, and we know how much we have prepared for this game and for this tournament.
“So, of course, we’re just looking forward to the game tomorrow. The expectations are very high, and it’s going to be an amazing game with an amazing atmosphere.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to it. We are excited, and we know how much it means to everyone back home and to ourselves. It’s going to be an exciting occasion.”
While memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup remain special for many South Africans, Mokoena says the current squad is focused on creating its own legacy rather than dwelling on the past.
“I don’t remember much about the 2010 World Cup. The main thing I remember is Tshabalala’s goal because I was still young at the time,” he added.
“We haven’t spoken about the 2010 World Cup. As a team, we want to create our own history.
“As we know, our country has never reached the knockout stages. Our goal in coming to this tournament is to see ourselves progress to the next round.”
With Mexico set to be backed by a passionate home crowd at the iconic Estadio Azteca, Bafana Bafana will be aiming to make a strong start and take a significant step towards achieving their ambition of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
