World Cup 2026: Steven Pienaar backs Bafana Bafana to stun Mexico 2-0 in opener

Former South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar has tipped Bafana Bafana to defeat Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rating the current squad ahead of the 2010 team that played against the North American side.

The expanded global tournament will commence on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the Bafana Bafana expected to open their account against Mexico.

Confidence is growing within South African football circles ahead of Bafana Bafana’s highly anticipated World Cup opener against Mexico, and few are more optimistic than former national team star Steven Pienaar.

The ex-Ajax Amsterdam and Everton midfielder believes Hugo Broos’ side has what it takes to make a winning start to their campaign when they take on the hosts at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday night.

Pienaar was part of the South African team that opened the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a memorable 1-1 draw against Mexico at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. Sixteen years later, on the same date and month, Bafana Bafana once again find themselves facing the North Americans in a World Cup curtain-raiser.

Despite the magnitude of the occasion and the intimidating atmosphere expected at the Azteca, Pienaar is convinced South Africa can secure all three points.

“I might get shot in the head if I say this, but I’ll say it, it’s gonna be 2-0 for Bafana Bafana,” Pienaar said on SABC Sport.

The former midfielder went even further by claiming that the current South African squad compares favourably to the team he represented in 2010.

“And I think this team is much better than the team we had. And if I look at the Mexican team, they’re not as good as the team from 2010. So, I really think we will win 2-0.”

Pienaar’s comments reflect the growing belief that South Africa’s current generation can make a significant impact on the global stage. Led by a talented group of players who have gained valuable experience in domestic and international competitions, Bafana Bafana arrive at the World Cup carrying renewed expectations.

A positive result against Mexico would not only boost South Africa’s chances of progressing from Group A but would also send a strong message to the rest of the tournament.

The challenge, however, will be immense. Mexico will enjoy home support at one of football’s most famous venues, with tens of thousands expected to create a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.

Yet Pienaar believes the quality within the current Bafana squad, coupled with the perceived decline of the Mexican side compared to the one he faced in 2010, gives South Africa a genuine opportunity to cause an upset.