How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Mexico in FIFA World Cup Opener

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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South Africa to face Mexico in FIFA World Cup 2026 opener on June 11.
Williams, Mudau, Mbokazi, Mokoena, and Foster expected to start.
Selection and injury doubts remain at left back and in the central midfield trio.

South Africa will face Mexico at 21:00 SAST on Thursday 11 June (Getty Images).

South Africa face Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match at 21:00 SAST time at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams is the nation's captain and a 100% certain starter between the sticks.

DEFENCE

Khuliso Mudau is an outstanding right back and another definite starter for this match. Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire will play as a left centre back.

The other two positons are far from certain. It would appear that inexperienced centre backs Ime Okon (Hannover 96) and Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union) will battle for the right centre back position.

At left back, Aubrey Modiba is a certain starter if he is fully fit. However, a hamstring strain sustained in the CAF Champions League final means he is doubtful to play.

Samukele Kabini of Molde FK is Modiba's understudy, whilst Kaizer Chiefs's Bradley Cross is also in the squad.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena is a key man in the engine room and will play in the double pivot. Alongside him is a toss-up between Mamelodi Sundowns teammate, Jayden Adams, and Sphepelo Sithole of CD Tondela in Portugal. Adams is a better passer of the ball, but Sithole offers physicality.

In the number ten role, it's either 36-year-old Themba Zwane or 22-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng. The latter has arguably been the best player in the South African PSL this past season. Zwane is a favourite of coach Hugo Broos and may be preferred, though.

ATTACK

Oswin Appollis will play on one flank. He has been the coach's go-to winger throughout qualifying.

On the opposite flank is likely to be a speed merchant. Either left-footed Tshepang Moremi or Orlando Pirates teammate Kamogelo Sebelebele will start. The latter has spent most of the season playing as a right back for Pirates.

In the number nine role, there are three options to choose from, and they're all different in profile.

Hugo Broos told the media: “You have Foster, you have Makgopa, the taller guy, then you have Rayners, he’s fast, really one who has the smell of the goals.

“So we have options now — depending the functions of the opponents, we will make decisions, Foster, Makgopa or Rayners.”

The likelihood is that Lyle Foster of Burnley FC will start against Mexico.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK) - Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Lyle Foster (Burnley).