By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa lined up in a 5-3-2 formation for the opening match of the FIFA World Cup against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, it has been temporarily renamed Mexico City stadium on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The tournament is running from June 11 to the July 19 final in New Jersey.
The two sides meet for a second time in a World Cup opener, mirroring the historic tournament curtain-raiser from 2010 when South Africa hosted the global showpiece, the two nations shared the spoils in a memorable 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.
Bafana Bafana comes to the match having failed to secure a victory in their last five matches leading up to the tournament.
Meanwhile the tournament hosts cruised through their warm-up campaign with three consecutive wins, registering eight goals while letting in just one.
Here is how both teams line up for the opener.
South Africa starting line up:
Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster.
Substitutes: Ricardo Goss (GK), Sipho Chaine (GK), Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Maseko, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Themba Zwane, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Olwethu Makhanya, Oswin Appollis, Bradley Cross.
Mexico starting line up:
Raúl RangelI, Israel Reyes, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo, Érik Lira, Roberto Alvarado, Bryan Gutiérrez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez
Substitutes: (GK)Carlos Acevedo, (GK) Guillermo Ochoa, Jorge Sánchez, Mateo Chávez, Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Obed Vargas, Orbelín Pineda, Guillermo Martinez, Armando González, Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega, César Huerta.