Forty years after playing for Belgium against hosts Mexico in the 1986 World Cup opener, Hugo Broos makes an emotional return to the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, this time as coach of <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/t20-world-cup-2026-stuck-west-indies-and-south-africa-teams-to-leave-india-on-tuesday-23620054" rel="nofollow">South Africa</a>.
The clash between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City signals the start of the 2026 World Cup, the first of 104 matches that will end with the champions being crowned on July 19 in New Jersey.
The 2026 World Cup, which Mexico, the United States and Canada are jointly hosting, signals the end of a 56-year football career for the Belgian, as a defender and a coach.
&ldquo;I am dreaming of a beautiful ending where South Africa reach the knockout phase of a <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-here-are-top-six-teams-perfectly-placed-to-win-global-showpiece-23634602" rel="nofollow">World Cup</a> for the first time after three first-round exits,&rdquo; he said.
South Africa and Mexico also crossed paths in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup that South Africa hosted, in a game that finished 1-1.
Broos, who took charge in 2021, said Mexico would present a challenging start. &ldquo;Mexico are a good, ambitious team which emphasises movement. Nothing other than our best level will suffice. We must know what to do when they have the ball, and when we do,&rdquo; he said.
3 No. of times the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City has hosted a FIFA World Cup opening game &mdash; the most for any venue
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The clash between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City signals the start of the 2026 World Cup, the first of 104 matches that will end with the champions

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The clash between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City signals the start of the 2026 World Cup, the first of 104 matches that will end with the champions being crowned on July 19 in New Jersey.

FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa coach Broos wary of Mexico challenge tonight

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa coach Broos wary of Mexico challenge tonight