11 Jun
Thu
•14:00
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
28 Mar
Sat
•19:00
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
31 Mar
Tue
•20:00
Soldier Field Stadium • Chicago
11 Jun
Thu
•14:00
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
18 Jun
Thu
•20:00
Estadio Akron • Zapopan
24 Jun
Wed
•20:00
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
22 Dec
Mon
•18:00
Marrakech Stadium • Ouahat Sidi Brahim
26 Dec
Fri
•16:00
Adrar Stadium • Agadir
30 Dec
Tue
•00:30
Marrakech Stadium • Ouahat Sidi Brahim
11 Jun
Thu
•14:00
Estadio Azteca • Mexico City
18 Jun
Thu
•12:00
Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta
South Africa bursts onto the scene as a serious contender, built on raw physical power, tireless runs and a direct style of football that punishes every mistake when playing out from the back. El Tri, a World Cup regular, counters with a game based on high-intensity possession, sudden changes of pace and constant involvement from full-backs and wingers to stretch the pitch.
The African title lifted by Bafana Bafana in 1996 and the memory of that opening match 1–1 draw in 2010 still shape this rivalry: back then the North Americans hit back, the hosts responded and everything was decided in the closing minutes.
In the 2026 World Cup group stage, every single point can tip the balance in the group. One lapse in marking, a poorly executed counterattack or a set-piece play could leave one of these teams with one foot in the next round… or staring into the abyss.
The Mexican national team heads into the tournament under pressure to bounce back after their group-stage exit at Qatar 2022, driven by leaders like Hirving Lozano, Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez.
The side from the south of the African continent boasts the constant threat of Percy Tau, the authority of Teboho Mokoena in midfield and the reliability of Ronwen Williams between the posts. Don’t settle for watching it on TV: secure your tickets and experience live a showdown between El Tri and Bafana Bafana that could redefine the group’s future.