16 Years On, Tshabalala Recalls Iconic Goal as Mexico, South Africa Kick Off World Cup Party

Sixteen years to the day after South Africa hosted and kicked off the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the nation is once again facing Mexico in an opening fixture. Siphiwe Tshabalala's memorable goal against Mexico at Johannesburg's Soccer City marked the tournament's start in 2010.

"It was Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa!" Tshabalala exclaimed, recalling the moment. Now, 16 years later, Mexico, as a co-host of the 2026 edition, will face South Africa's Bafana Bafana at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. The 2010 match ended in a 1-1 draw, which Tshabalala described as feeling like a win.

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It was Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa!

"It was very exciting. I didn’t expect it, it felt like a moment of déjà vu, almost like a return leg in Mexico," Tshabalala told SuperSport. "I am really looking forward to the match. It is the kind of game that will attract a lot of attention and excitement, with high expectations. We will go into the game as underdogs, which means there will be more pressure on Mexico to deliver. However, I am strongly optimistic that we can cause an upset."

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It was very exciting. I didn’t expect it, it felt like a moment of déjà vu, almost like a return leg in Mexico. I am really looking forward to the match. It is the kind of game that will attract a lot of attention and excitement, with high expectations. We will go into the game as underdogs, which means there will be more pressure on Mexico to deliver. However, I am strongly optimistic that we can cause an upset.

Tshabalala considers the World Cup the pinnacle of football. "There is nothing bigger than the FIFA World Cup; it is the biggest stage in football. To have the opportunity to play, perform well, and even score while the world is watching is truly remarkable. I hope one of our players gets to experience that feeling."

Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament, Tshabalala anticipates strong performances from traditional powerhouses like Spain, France, and England. He also highlighted the potential for African teams, mentioning Ghana and Senegal, and expressed hope for their progress into the knockout stages. He also acknowledged defending champions Argentina and suggested it might be Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance, deserving of recognition similar to Lionel Messi's career achievement.

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There is nothing bigger than the FIFA World Cup; it is the biggest stage in football. To have the opportunity to play, perform well, and even score while the world is watching is truly remarkable. I hope one of our players gets to experience that feeling.