FORMER Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi believes the weight of expectation on Mexico could play into South Africa’s hands when the two nations meet in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) in Mexico, with a Group A clash between the hosts and South Africa, a repeat of the 2010 opening game at Soccer City, Johannesburg, where Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderbolt opener was cancelled out by Rafael Márquez in a 1-1 draw.
Dikgacoi, who provided the assist for Tshabalala’s famous strike, says Bafana Bafana can spring a surprise this time.
“We have a good squad. The lads have been together for a while, and that togetherness can make a major difference in a tournament. A draw, or even a win, is possible. The coach has picked a balanced team, ready to compete. I believe with this team we stand a chance of proceeding to the next round,” he told Sportsboom.co.za
Mexico’s Defensive Identity
Mexico enters the tournament on the back of a commanding 5-1 warm-up victory over Serbia. Dikgacoi expects them to remain true to their defensive identity.
“South American countries hardly change their identity, and how they set up there won’t be much different from what Bafana Bafana Technical Team would have seen over the years. They are compact, organised, and defend from the top. To beat them, we must breach their first and second lines. If we do that, we stand a real chance. Scoring first will silence the stadium and pile pressure on them.”
“Mexico, as hosts, will go all out to win the game at all costs. They are playing in front of passionate fans, and will want to attack us from the first minute. We have the quality and experience to cope with what is thrown at us. We should be able to neutralise them.”
The former Fulham and Crystal Palace midfield powerhouse, now 41, believes South Africa’s pace could be decisive.
“We must use speed rather than control. Players like (Oswin) Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Thapelo Maseko and ‘Rele’ Mofokeng have the pace to trouble any opponent. With their aggression, we can open gaps and create problems.”
Containing Raúl Jiménez
Dikgacoi also warned of the threat posed by Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who scored against Serbia. He was once among the top scorers for the Craven Cottage-based side this season, banging 10 (ten) with 3 (three) assists.
“He is a brilliant finisher, dangerous with his runs off the ball. We must force him wide, away from central areas where he is most lethal.”
“We must not allow him to play on the shoulders of the defenders. If we do that, we can nullify his threat. We must be at our best at the back as we have been throughout the qualifying campaign and in recent matches,” said the Golden Arrows Assistant Coach.
In related World Cup news, former Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has predicted a strong showing from Africa’s leading nations, backing Bafana Bafana, Senegal, Morocco and Ivory Coast to mount serious challenges and potentially secure multiple places in the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on 2010
Looking back on the 2010 opener, Dikgacoi admits there is still a sense of regret.
“I have watched the game a couple of times, and it was a proud moment to represent my country at that stage. We were prepared both mentally and physically for the game. We created enough chances to win. Teko Modise came close, and so was Katlego Mphela late in the game. With a win at FNB, it would have given us the confidence to go to Loftus Stadium against Uruguay and in Bloemfontein for our last game.
“The atmosphere was incredible, the flags, the vuvuzelas, the fans in the Bafana Bafana jersey. We blocked out the noise and focused, but I still believe we were unlucky not to win,” he recalls.
Dikgacoi remains confident that Bafana Bafana can rise to the occasion in Mexico.
“The hosts will be under immense pressure. We must use this to our advantage, take our chances, we can surprise them, and this team has what it takes to progress to the knockout stages.” – SportsBoom
