Mokoena: Bafana Bafana ready to write new World Cup chapter ahead of Mexico clash

South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena has insisted that Bafana Bafana are determined to make their own mark on the global stage as they prepare for a historic return to the FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder stressed that the squad is embracing the occasion rather than being weighed down by expectation, with a clear focus on enjoying the tournament while pushing beyond the group stage for the first time in their modern era.

“This is about us creating our own story,” Mokoena is understood to have said, underlining the team’s belief that they can turn participation into progress on football’s biggest stage.

South Africa will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, a venue steeped in football history and known for its intense atmosphere.

The fixture marks a significant moment for Bafana Bafana, who are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when the nation hosted the tournament and captured global attention as the first African country to stage the competition.

The group opener, scheduled for 19:00 GMT, is expected to test South Africa’s composure early, with Mexico’s home advantage and the pressure of a packed Azteca crowd adding to the challenge.

Despite the scale of the occasion, Mokoena’s message reflects a squad intent on rewriting its World Cup narrative — shifting from past struggles to a more confident and competitive presence on the international stage.