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.
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