Bafana Bafana will draw on history to defy the odds against highly-ranked hosts Mexico

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The disparity in Fifa rankings raises concerns among fans, who wonder how South Africa will measure up to Mexico in the crucial opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The national team, ranked 61st in the world, will face a formidable opponent in Mexico, whose 15th-place ranking stands in stark contrast. In addition, as hosts, Mexico will leverage several strategic advantages, the most notable being its considerable altitude. Mexico City is situated at approximately 2 240m above sea level, whereas Johannesburg is at 1 750m.

On the eve of Friday’s final draw, former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund cautioned local fans against wishing for Mexico to be included in the same group. He warned that Mexico would be too strong for South Africa. However, history offers a glimmer of hope for the South African squad. When the teams last met in the World Cup during the 2010 tournament, their journeys through the group stage mirrored one another.

After three Group A games in 2010, both teams had accumulated the same number of points, yet Mexico’s superior goal difference propelled them into the knockout rounds.

In that opening match, the two nations battled to a one–all draw, with South Africa showcasing their competitive spirit on home soil after scoring first in the game.

This upcoming encounter marks the fifth occasion that South Africa and Mexico have clashed. Analysing their past performances, South Africa has one victory over Mexico, achieved in a Concacaf Gold Cup match in 2005, while Mexico has triumphed in two earlier encounters during the 1990s.

These statistics may serve as a source of motivation for South Africa as they prepare for what could be a decisive moment in their World Cup campaign.

Experienced coaches who both played when Mexico last hosted the World Cup in 1986 will be at the helm. Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico, holds the unique distinction of managing his team at the World Cup three times, having previously led them in 2002 and 2010.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos played for Belgium at the 1986 showpiece, which also marked the end of his international career.

He is confident he can steer his team towards a performance that defies the odds. The national side has qualified for the World Cup on four occasions since 1998, with its best results being group-stage exits.

Mexico is no stranger to the World Cup stage, having qualified 17 times in a row since 1994. Their rich footballing history includes two quarter-final appearances as hosts in 1970 and 1986, and now they are gearing up for their third time hosting this prestigious tournament.

This legacy adds pressure on both teams, but also an undeniable opportunity for South Africa to carve out its own narrative amidst the challenging odds.

Fans from both nations will be hoping for a display of skill, passion, and resilience as the two sides prepare to battle it out on the global stage.