World Cup kicks off at legendary Aztec Stadium, site of two finals

The legendary Aztec Stadium, a venue that has hosted two World Cup finals, will be the stage for the opening match of the upcoming tournament. South Africa's national football team, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, is set to make their return to the global stage after a 14-year absence.

The team's journey to the World Cup was not without its challenges. Despite topping their qualifying group, they were previously handed a 3-0 walkover defeat by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Lesotho. However, Hugo Broos' squad showed resilience, ultimately securing their qualification with a decisive 3-0 home victory over Rwanda on October 14, 2025.

Bafana Bafana's squad for the tournament features a limited number of foreign-based players, with only seven out of the twenty-six called-up footballers playing abroad. Lyle Foster, a striker for Burnley, is among the most recognized talents, having scored ten goals in his twenty-six international appearances. The team faces a tough opening match in Group A against Mexico, while South Korea will compete against the Czech Republic in the other group fixture.