World Cup: We Are Playing for Every South African Who Believes In Us – Broos

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says his players are determined to make their nation proud when they face co-hosts Mexico national football team in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana will launch their campaign at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June, in a match expected to attract a global television audience and a packed stadium dominated by Mexican supporters.

Broos acknowledged the scale of the occasion and urged his players to remain focused amid the hostile atmosphere.

“It will be a special and fantastic experience for us because many of my players have never played in a situation like this before,” Broos said.

“It will be very important for us to stick to our game plan and not pay attention to what is happening in the stands. We all know there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and perhaps only a few South Africans.”

Despite being heavily outnumbered in the crowd, Broos believes his team will draw strength from the support of millions of fans back home.

“We know we have the support of the nation, and we have felt it over the last few days and throughout our preparations in South Africa,” he added.

“All of South Africa is behind us. That is something we must remember when the game begins. We are playing for our country and for all those people who believe in us.”

The South Africans have settled into their base camp in Pachuca and are due to travel to Mexico City ahead of the tournament opener.