The better-known talking point ahead of Bafana Bafana's opening 2026 World Cup match against Mexico on Thursday, June 11, is that it mirrors the opening fixture of the 2010 tournament. On June 11 that year, South Africa and Mexico kicked off the World Cup at FNB Stadium, with Bafana carrying the hopes of a nation on home soil.
But there is another fascinating twist to Thursday's encounter in Mexico City.
Forty years ago, current Bafana coach Hugo Broos lined up for Belgium against host nation Mexico in the opening match of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Played on June 3 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, the match marked the start of a tournament that would become one of football's most memorable spectacles. It is the very same stadium that will host South Africa and Mexico when the 2026 World Cup gets underway.
Belgium lost that opening match 2-1 to the hosts, but Broos and his teammates recovered impressively. Led by stars such as Erwin Vandenbergh, they embarked on a remarkable run to the semifinals before eventually finishing fourth after losing the third-place playoff to France.
Mexico's campaign ended in the quarterfinals, although the hosts won plenty of admirers through the performances of stars such as Hugo Sánchez. Four decades later, Mexico once again enter a home World Cup carrying the expectations of millions and boasting a squad packed with talent.
Bafana, meanwhile, arrive as clear underdogs in Group A. Many observers have already identified them as the group's minnows. To pull off a result against Mexico in front of a passionate home crowd, Broos will need another tactical masterclass.
Whatever happens on Thursday, however, the Belgian coach has already secured his place in South African football history.
When Broos arrived in South Africa three years ago, he inherited a national team that was low on confidence and largely disconnected from its supporters. Through discipline, consistency and a clear football philosophy, he rebuilt belief within the squad and restored public interest in Bafana Bafana.
Most importantly, he returned South Africa to the World Cup stage.
Broos has indicated that he will step down after the tournament. When that moment arrives, the South African Football Association must ensure that the progress made under his leadership is not lost. The next coach should possess not only technical expertise but also the experience of competing at football's highest level.
Broos (pictured below during playing days) has set a benchmark. Bafana's future success may depend on ensuring that those who follow him are cut from the same cloth - as former World Cup players.
Sudan’s improbable march into the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is already one of the tournament’s most powerful stories. On Saturday, January 3, in Tangier, the Falcons of Jediane face continental heavyweights Senegal in the round of 16, carrying with them not only tactical plans and match-day hopes, but the weight of a nation shattered by war yet unwilling to surrender its dreams.
That Sudan even qualified for the Morocco tournament borders on the miraculous. Forced into exile by a brutal civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the national team has lived up to its falcon moniker by soaring far beyond its broken homeland to survive. Home matches were staged abroad, preparations scattered across foreign soil, including Saudi Arabia, and players lived as displaced men rather than celebrated athletes. Yet, against all odds, Sudan squeezed through Group E as one of the best third-placed teams behind Algeria and Burkina Faso.
The backdrop to this footballing fairy tale is devastating. The United Nations has labelled Sudan’s conflict the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”, with more than 150,000 lives lost and over 12 million people displaced. The players themselves are not insulated from this tragedy. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja carries the anguish of a brother taken prisoner by the RSF, while striker John Mano has spoken publicly about the murder of his childhood friend during the violence. These are not distant headlines; they are personal scars etched into the squad.
Against this backdrop, Sudan’s presence in the last 16 transcends sport. The team has made it clear that its mission is to give hope to long-suffering compatriots and, in some small way, inspire an end to the bloodshed. Football, in this context, becomes both refuge and resistance.
On the pitch, however, sentiment alone will not be enough. Senegal arrive as one of the tournament favourites, brimming with talent and confidence. The Lions of Teranga underlined their pedigree by dismantling Benin 3–0 in their final Group D match, even while reduced to ten men. They are powerful, disciplined and ruthless — precisely the kind of opponent that exposes any weakness.
Sudan, by contrast, boasts no global superstars. Their greatest weapon sits on the bench. Coach James Kwesi Appiah is a master of tournament football, a man forged in Africa’s biggest battles. A former Ghana international, Appiah was part of the Black Stars side that won the 1982 Afcon and played at two World Cups. His managerial résumé includes a previous stint with Ghana, making it one of football’s quiet ironies that the Black Stars are absent from Morocco while Appiah plots an upset with Sudan.
For Appiah, this match is personal redemption; for Sudan, it is national affirmation. Win or lose, the Falcons have already achieved something profound. As the 1970 African champions, they have reminded the continent that resilience can outlast chaos, and that even in the darkest times, sport can still offer light.
When the final whistle sounds in Tangier, the scoreboard will decide the match. But beyond the numbers, Sudan’s journey has already delivered a deeper victory. May football, in all its unifying power, be the ultimate winner.
African football stands on the cusp of another compelling chapter as the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21. While the opening fixture between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat may not immediately stir memories of classic AFCON showdowns, the tournament itself carries a weight of expectation that extends far beyond the first whistle.
Morocco arrives as both host nation and one of the continent’s most formidable footballing powers. The Atlas Lions have enjoyed a golden period in recent years, highlighted by their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and consistent dominance at youth and club levels. With a squad brimming with Europe-based stars, tactical maturity, and home support behind them, Morocco are widely tipped as favourites to lift the trophy. For many fans, AFCON 2026 represents an opportunity for the North African giants to finally translate their promise into continental glory on home soil.
Yet, the beauty of the Africa Cup of Nations lies precisely in its unpredictability. The opening opponents, Comoros, may be considered lightweights in African football, but their very presence at the finals tells a remarkable story. The tiny Indian Ocean nation, with a population of less than a million, has steadily defied expectations through organisation, discipline, and an unshakeable belief. Their qualification alone is a triumph, especially when contrasted with the absence of traditional heavyweights such as Ghana, whose failure to qualify sent shockwaves across the continent.
Ghana’s absence is symbolic of a broader shift in African football. Once-dominant nations can no longer rely on history and reputation alone. Improved coaching, better scouting of diaspora talent, and increased tactical awareness have narrowed the gap between Africa’s elite and its emerging sides. Teams like Comoros, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea have shown that structure and unity can rival pedigree. AFCON 2026, therefore, is not just a competition—it is a reflection of a changing football landscape.
For Comoros, the opening match against Morocco is less about expectation and more about opportunity. With little pressure and everything to gain, they can approach the contest with freedom. AFCON history is littered with examples of underdogs upsetting giants, and Comoros will take inspiration from those narratives. Even a spirited performance could set the tone for a campaign that further cements their growing reputation.
As the tournament unfolds across Morocco’s modern stadiums, fans can expect drama, colour, and passion—the hallmarks of African football. Beyond the favourites and familiar names, AFCON 2026 promises fresh stories and new heroes. Whether Morocco ultimately justify their status or another surprise nation captures the imagination, one thing is certain: African football continues to evolve, and this tournament is poised to celebrate both its powerhouses and its dreamers.
South Africa’s three major national teams — the Springboks, Bafana Bafana and the Proteas — all delivered statement victories last weekend, setting the nation alight with pride and reminding the world of the country’s enduring sporting pedigree. It was a rare moment when rugby, football and cricket converged to produce a collective surge of national confidence.
In Turin on Saturday, the Springboks defeated Italy 32–12 in a Test match that reaffirmed their status as the number-one team in world rugby. While the Azzurri have long outgrown their reputation as easy beats, few expected them to topple the reigning world champions. Yet the context of the Springbok victory made the result especially remarkable. South Africa were forced to play with 14 men for almost the entire match after lock Franco Mostert received a red card in the 11th minute for a tackle on Italian flyhalf Paolo Garbisi. Apart from New Zealand referee James Doleman, few observers — including commentators and analysts — believed the incident warranted the harshest sanction.
What followed was a revelation of the Springboks’ character. Rather than retreat into a defensive shell, they played with ferocity, intelligence and immense composure. Their dominance with a man down was reminiscent of the previous weekend’s triumph in Paris, where they also weathered a red card but still managed to stun an 80,000-strong crowd at the Stade de France. These back-to-back performances have reinforced the perception that the Springboks possess not only world-class skill but a collective mental toughness unmatched in modern rugby.
South Africa’s football team added to the national celebration. Also on Saturday, Bafana Bafana extended their impressive unbeaten run to 25 matches with a stylish 3–1 win over Zambia in Gqeberha. From the opening whistle, Bafana displayed fluidity, confidence and attacking intent, leaving the visitors struggling to contain their movement. The only blemish on an otherwise polished performance came in stoppage time, when a lapse in concentration allowed Zambia to score a consolation goal. Even so, the result highlighted the momentum and stability that coach Hugo Broos has instilled in the squad — something South African football fans have long yearned for.
But perhaps the most dramatic achievement of the weekend belonged to the Proteas. In Kolkata, the South African Test cricket side shocked India with a 30-run victory, securing their first Test win on Indian soil since 2010. The match, a tense and low-scoring encounter, unfolded over just three days but offered every twist and nuance that makes Test cricket the sport’s purest format. Bowlers on both sides controlled proceedings, and every run became a negotiation under pressure. South Africa’s composure in foreign conditions — against a team nearly unbeatable at home — made the triumph particularly special.
The Proteas now head into the second and final Test in Guwahati on Saturday, 22 November, with a golden opportunity to clinch a historic series victory. The last time South Africa won a Test series in India was in the 1999/00 season. India, bruised but dangerous, will no doubt throw everything at the visitors, setting the stage for a cliffhanger of immense sporting and psychological stakes.
The Springboks, too, are back in action on Saturday in a blockbuster clash against their long-time bogey team, the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is bracing for a fiery encounter between two of the most tactically astute sides in world rugby. With the Boks eager to settle old scores and Ireland seeking to defend their home turf, the match promises to be another global spectacle.
With victories across rugby, football and cricket, South Africa’s sporting spirit is riding a powerful wave. The coming weekend may yet elevate that momentum even further.
Many football fans around the world, including in South Africa, mistakenly believe that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted solely by the United States. In fact, the tournament will be co-hosted by three North American countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening match on Thursday, June 11, 2026. With a capacity of 87,000, it will become the first stadium in World Cup history to host three opening matches, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. The opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca promises to celebrate Mexico’s rich football heritage while offering a glimpse into the broader cultural legacy of the Americas.
Expect the ceremony to showcase elements of Aztec history. The Aztecs, also known as the Mexica—the root of the modern name “Mexico”—were the architects of a sophisticated Mesoamerican civilization centered in what is now central and southern Mexico. Their capital, Tenochtitlan, was founded in 1325, and their society thrived until the Spanish conquest in 1521.
The Aztec civilization contributed significantly to the world’s knowledge and culture. Innovations such as the chinampa system of floating gardens, step pyramids, a 260-day religious calendar, the macuahuitl weapon, and extensive canoe transportation networks reflect their advanced society. Education was mandatory and comprehensive, blending practical skills with religious and military instruction.
The 2026 World Cup will conclude with the final match on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, bringing together fans from across the globe to celebrate the beautiful game.
South Africa’s biggest football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, find themselves in a rare shared situation this weekend — both are in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, for continental battles.
First off the mark are Chiefs, who on Saturday meet AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup at the TP Mazembe Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm SA time.
On Sunday, Pirates take on Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League at the 35,000-capacity Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba.
While Lupopo are based in Lubumbashi — the DRC’s second-largest city after Kinshasa — Simba hail from Kolwezi, about 300km northwest of Lubumbashi. They have been forced to stage their CAF home fixtures in Katanga’s capital because their home province, Lualaba, lacks a CAF-approved stadium.
Simba booked their spot in the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup by winning the Coupe du Congo, the national cup competition, defeating MK Kinshasa 1–0 in the final. Jacques Mangoba netted the decisive goal in the 90th minute, sealing both the trophy and a US$250,000 (about R4.3 million) first prize.
Lupopo, meanwhile, are traditional rivals of TP Mazembe. Both clubs were founded in 1939, and their meetings in the famed Lubumbashi derby remain among the fiercest in African football.
The two sides once shared the city-run Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba before TP Mazembe owner Moïse Katumbi funded the construction of the club’s own modern ground, the TP Mazembe Stadium, opened in 2011. The two venues are just 4km apart, located in the neighbouring Lubumbashi communes of Kenya and Kalamondo respectively.
Though TP Mazembe Stadium holds just 18,500 fans, it is widely rated among the best football facilities in Central Africa, featuring modern dressing rooms, VIP suites, covered stands, a press centre and advanced floodlights.
Both the Pirates and Chiefs fixtures are part of the second preliminary round, with the winners advancing to the group stages of the Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively. It would be refreshing to see the two Soweto giants cast aside their rivalry, if only briefly, and support each other in Congo.
Meanwhile, two other South African clubs are also in continental action this weekend. Stellenbosch FC (Confederation Cup) visit 15 de Agosto in Equatorial Guinea at the 8,000-capacity Estadio de Ebibeyin on Saturday (4pm SA time), while Mamelodi Sundowns (Champions League) face Nigerian champions Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday (5pm SA time). The venue, located in the hometown of the late music legend Fela Kuti, seats only 10,000 — a setting that could make Sundowns feel right at home.
Good luck to all four South African clubs flying the flag in Africa.
The relocation of Lioli’s “home” fixture against Orlando Pirates from Lesotho to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein underscores the deepening crisis of football infrastructure in the mountain kingdom. While football remains a unifying and popular sport in Lesotho, the absence of an internationally compliant stadium has turned home advantage into a paradox—forcing clubs and national teams alike to host matches on foreign soil.
At the heart of this problem is the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, the only facility previously recognized for international use. Since its suspension in 2021 by FIFA and CAF, due to its failure to meet international standards, Lesotho has been stripped of the ability to host matches at home. This not only damages the country’s sporting reputation but also undermines the growth of local football. For Lioli and other clubs, being forced to host continental matches outside the country strips them of the psychological and logistical benefits that come with playing in front of their own supporters. A Bloemfontein fixture against Pirates, although closer than many alternatives, still robs Lioli of the unique atmosphere their fans could have created in Teyateyaneng or Maseru.
The symbolism of a national stadium lying dormant for years is damning. Stadium maintenance and renovation are not merely technical matters; they reflect governance, planning, and prioritization of resources. The fact that FIFA’s regional delegation only visited Setsoto last month to assess progress suggests that little has been done since the suspension. This delay reflects a lack of urgency from the Lesotho government, which should treat stadium compliance as a national priority. For a country whose national teams must play “home” games abroad, the damage extends beyond football—it dents national pride and imposes unnecessary costs.
Financially, the consequences are severe. Clubs like Lioli must now shoulder additional travel and accommodation expenses when hosting fixtures in South Africa. Supporters face the same burden, with many unable to afford the journey across the border, leading to reduced crowd support. For the national team, this situation diminishes the potential for revenue generation through gate takings, merchandising, and hospitality. At a time when African football needs to be strengthened at grassroots and national levels, such infrastructural shortcomings widen the gap between countries with strong sporting institutions and those without.
Politically, the Setsoto crisis points to a failure in public policy. Governments across Africa frequently make grand promises about sports development but often neglect the unglamorous task of infrastructure maintenance. While Lesotho is not alone in this regard, the prolonged suspension of its only national stadium is exceptional and reflects a broader governance deficit. International football bodies like FIFA can push for compliance, but ultimately, the political will to prioritize sports infrastructure must come from within Lesotho itself.
There are also continental implications. CAF’s insistence on international standards is correct—it ensures player safety, television broadcast quality, and a professional environment. Yet the harsh reality is that several African nations face similar struggles. Lesotho’s plight raises a broader debate: should CAF and FIFA do more to provide technical and financial assistance to struggling associations, or is it solely the responsibility of national governments?
In conclusion, the Lioli–Pirates fixture in Bloemfontein is more than a logistical inconvenience; it is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting sports infrastructure. For Lesotho, the inability to host matches at home has diminished football’s power to inspire and unite. Unless the Setsoto Stadium is urgently renovated and maintained, the country risks permanent exile from the global football family, with dire consequences for the development of its players, clubs, and national pride.
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