3 Mexico Players Who Could Cause Problems for Bafana Bafana in the 2026 World Cup Opener

• South Africa are set to face Mexico in the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 11, 2026
• Bafana Bafana need a win against the co-host for them to be able to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition
• A football analyst in an exclusive interview with Briefly News dropped the names of Mexican players to cause Bafana Bafana problems

Bafana Bafana will kick start their 2026 FIFA World Cup competition with a group game against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

South Africa have some notable names in their squad and players who could help Hugo Broos get a win against the co-host in the presence of their home crowd.

Bafana Bafana are hoping to make history in this year's global football competition by qualifying for the knockout rounds, but they need to get good results in the group stage, and it will start against Mexico, with games against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

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3 Mexico stars who could trouble Bafana

Football analyst Uche Anuma, during an exclusive interview with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on the match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico while also mentioning three stars from the latter who can cause problems for Broos' side.

"Mexico and South Africa are both expected to give us another memorable opening World Cup game, just like they did in the 2010 edition when the competition was hosted by South Africa," he said.

"We all remember the famous Siphiwe Tshabalala's dance alongside his teammates after scoring their beautiful goal in 2010. We expect another choreographed dance if Bafana Bafana score in the match, but they need to be wary of some of Mexico's players.

"One of the players they should be watchful of is Raul Jimenez, he is one of the experienced players in Mexico's squad, and this would be his fourth World Cup. He has been in England since 2018, playing in the English Premier League, and would be an important figure at this World Cup.

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"Another player who could be a problem for Bafana Bafana is Julian Quinone, the Colombian-born forward, who took the Saudi Pro League by storm in the just-concluded season, winning the golden boot ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, and he should be monitored by South Africa's defenders.

"Former Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutierrez is another player South African players should look out for. He was one of the best players for Mexico in their final warm-up game against Serbia, and gave an assist."

Predictions for Bafana vs Mexico

Anuma also dropped his prediction for the match between South Africa and Mexico on Thursday evening.

"It's going to be a tough match for Bafana Bafana, and with all of their players being debutants, it make is more difficult for them," he added.

"With all due respect to Hugo Broos and his boys, I don't see them taking all three points against Mexico. Aside from being one of the hosts and playing in front of their fans, they have better players compared to SA.

"A 2-1 win for Mexico for me."

Bafana train under tight security in Mexico

Briefly News also reported that Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations in Mexico have unfolded under heightened security as authorities ramp up safety measures ahead of the tournament.

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Hugo Broos' squad began training in Pachuca with security personnel visible around the team's base camp and training venues. The precautions form part of a wider operation across Mexico, where authorities are preparing for the arrival of millions of visitors during the FIFA World Cup.

Source: Briefly News