If the magnitude of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico was weighing on Teboho Mokoena, he certainly did not show it. Calm, relaxed and comfortable in the spotlight, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield general looked every bit a player accustomed to high-pressure occasions as he addressed the media on the eve of the tournament opener.
While El Tri carries the expectations of a nation desperate for a winning start on home soil, Mokoena believes the pressure lies squarely with the hosts. South Africa, he believes, can approach the encounter with freedom, confidence and the ambition to write a new chapter in the country’s World Cup history.
The stage could hardly be bigger. The two sides meet in what promises to be a packed and vibrant atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where the hosts will enjoy the backing of a passionate home crowd. While South Africans will be tuning in at 9 PM back home, kick-off will take place at 1 PM local time in the Mexican capital.
BAFANA BAFANA FOCUSED ON REWRITING HISTORY
“Of course, the expectations are very high, and it’s going to be an amazing game and amazing atmosphere,” said Mokoena.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to the game, and we are excited. We know how much it means to everyone back home and ourselves. We’re looking forward to the game, so it’s going to be exciting to watch.”
While comparisons have inevitably been drawn with previous Bafana World Cup squads, the influential anchorman insists the current generation is focused on writing its own chapter in the nation’s football history.
Bafana have never progressed beyond the group stages of a FIFA World Cup, having appeared at the 1998, 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
Mokoena revealed that the squad has not discussed past campaigns, choosing instead to focus on the opportunity in front of them.
“We haven’t spoken about the 2010 World Cup in terms of the past. As a team, we want to create our own history, and we know that our country hasn’t even gone to the knockout stage. So, us coming to this tournament, our goal is to see ourselves going to the next round.”
MOKOENA: “THE PRESSURE IS ON MEXICO”
Despite being underdogs heading into the clash, the Free State-born midfield lynchpin believes that could work in their favour.
The 29-year-old pointed to pre-tournament predictions that have given Bafana only a slim chance of advancing, suggesting the burden of expectation rests squarely on the hosts.
“As I said, even the probability is saying seven percent chances of going to the next round or even winning the game tomorrow. So we don’t have pressure. The pressure is on Mexico as the host.
“For us as a team, we know what is expected of us, and we know how much we prepared for this game and for this tournament. Of course, we’re just looking forward to the game tomorrow.”
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