Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged his players to embrace the occasion when they take on Mexico in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa will take on host nation Mexico in the first game of the global showpiece when they meet at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, on Thursday, June 11.

Bafana will then take on Czechia on 18 June before taking on Korea Republic on 25 June.

The Belgian tactician believes South Africa can draw strength from the backing of millions at home as they prepare to represent the nation on football’s biggest stage.

“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” Broos said.

“So it will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands.

“We all know that there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.

“We know that we have the support of the nation and we felt it in the last few days, and last week when we started the preparations (for the World Cup) in South Africa.

“All of South Africa is supporting us. This is something we have to remember on Thursday when the game starts, that we are playing for our nation. We are playing for all those people who believe in us.”

Kick-off has been set for 21:00 on Thursday.