South Africa Keeper Ronwen Williams excited to face Mexico in World Cup opener

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is excited to face Mexico in the 2026 World Cup opening game at the iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2026.

This match will be a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, where South Africa and Mexico played out a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.

Williams, who plies his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns has expressed joy about the prospect of playing against the host nation, while admitting the encounter will be difficult.

“Yeah, amazing, obviously it’s a replay of the 2010 World Cup. Now roles are reversed, we are going to be away and obviously we know how difficult it is but it’s always nice, you want to play a host nation because you get that feel, you get the atmosphere, you feel the electricity, the energy and I’m excited and I’m happy,” Williams said.

“I think it’s a good draw, I think it’s one that people shouldn’t look at names but just know that being there it’s going to be tough. We shouldn’t start collecting points before we do the job, we need to have that mindset and also believe that we can go out there and give a good account of ourselves.”

The Bafana Bafana are paired in Group A against Mexico and South Korea. The three teams will be joined by a European qualifying team from the playoff, scheduled for March 2026.