By Wilson Florez
The Aztec Stadium will be the scene of opening duel of the 2026 World Cup. Mexico will face South Africa in a first match that will be repeated 16 years after the 2026 World Cup. El Tri starts as favorite for having the support of its public, but from the African team They do not pay much attention to this condition.
More than 80,000 people will be in the stands watching the duel between Mexico and South Africa. The Azteca Stadium will become more and more historic by becoming the first stadium to host three opening matches of a World Cup.
South Africa coach Hugo Brooshe advised his players Do not give much importance to the fans who will be present in the stadium. Broos argued that the fans will not influence the field and that is how they should manage their goals.
“I think the only thing I have to tell my players is that They concentrate on the game plan. That’s the most important thing. Those 85,000 Mexicans don’t play, they just scream. If you’re a home team, it’s very important to have 85,000 people on your back screaming and singing. If we are not too influenced by the noise, then we can have a good game tomorrow”, analyzed the strategist.
How does South Africa feel about being a visitor at the Mexico City stadium? ??
?? “The 85,000 Mexicans don’t play, they just scream,” declared Hugo Broos, South Africa coach pic.twitter.com/bAGpwuId5u
— Universal Deportes (@UnivDeportes) June 11, 2026
Despite these spicy words, Hugo Broos respected the talent and potential of the Mexican team. Broos considers El Tri to be the group’s strongest rival above South Korea and the Czech Republic.
“Mexico is the best team in the group. For us, tomorrow will be a very difficult game“, he acknowledged.
The South African team did not play many preparation matches prior to the 2026 World Cup. Their last two games were a 0-0 draw against Nicaragua at the end of May and another draw against Jamaica 1-1 at the beginning of June. Broos assured that they are ready to face the first match of the 2026 World Cup.
“We have to be at our best level. We also need a little luck. But I can assure you that my team is ready and we are going to fight for every meter and every ball during the 90 minutes. And after that, we will see the results,” said the Belgian strategist.
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