South African coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.
Broos, 74, will make an emotional return to the Estadio Azteca as he leads South Africa into their tricky Group A assignment in Mexico City.
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The former Belgium international experienced the noise of the Azteca first-hand during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, playing in the Red Devils’ opening match against the hosts. Broos believes that Mexico is the team to beat in Group A.
However, he admits he is not a fan of the expanded 48-team World Cup, citing the grueling travel schedule his team faces, including matches in Atlanta and Monterrey.
RELATED: South Africa team guide for 2026 FIFA World Cup – Player to watch out for, tactics, playing XI
Mexico have played seven World Cup opening matches but have never won one – a streak that coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to correct.
On Thursday, Aguirre relived the experience of playing in a World Cup on home soil, forty years after he did so as a player in 1986.
(With input from AFP)
Published on June 11, 2026
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