Javier Aguirre has paid tribute to Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener – warning his players that South Africa will be anything but straightforward opponents at the Estadio Azteca.
The Mexico coach opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June – and he is not taking Hugo Broos’ side lightly. His reasoning is personal. In 2019, while in charge of Egypt, Aguirre watched his side get knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations by Bafana in the Round of 16. The memory has not faded.
“They are a fierce team – not exactly with an African style, but a mix with European football,” he said to Flashscore. “They have a Belgian coach and some interesting players. I have the utmost respect for them. It won’t be easy.”
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For Aguirre, what makes South Africa dangerous is precisely what makes them different. Broos’ European philosophy has transformed Bafana into a side that defies easy categorisation – disciplined, structured and difficult to break down.
Mexico arrive as co-hosts carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations. Aguirre has leaned into that pressure rather than shying away from it – using history as motivation.
“Playing at home is priceless. England were champions at home and never again. I have a lot of faith that the whole country will be behind us.”
As for nerves – the 66-year-old is not feeling any.
“I’m genuinely excited. We are in our best physical, athletic and mental shape. None of the players has experienced anything like this before. We’re all eager for the moment to arrive.”
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