Fans across the globe are gearing up for the highly anticipated opening ceremony, a dazzling showcase of music, culture, and football spirit that sets the stage for a month-long celebration of the beautiful game.

South Africa’s own Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the tournament’s opening clash, carrying the hopes and pride of the nation.

Government has called on citizens to unite behind the team by wearing green or gold on Bafana Fridays and sharing in the excitement of this historic moment.

Stay tuned as the opening ceremony unfolds, a spectacular fusion of tradition and modern energy, marking the start of football’s greatest show.

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South Africa is ready. The wait is finally over as Bafana Bafana return to football’s biggest stage when they take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night, local time. 

Across the country, fan parks, shopping centres and public viewing venues are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable night of football, music and national pride. Whether you want to celebrate with thousands of supporters or enjoy the action with family at home, here are some of the best places to catch the big game.

Mall of Africa, Midrand

One of the biggest public viewing events in Gauteng will take place on the lawns near the food court at Mall of Africa. Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, will join supporters alongside Bafana Bafana legends for an evening filled with football fever.

Fans can look

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Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has leaned heavily on the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) biggest clubs in naming a 32-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns providing nine players each.

The squad, announced on Thursday, comes as South Africa prepares to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Pirates’ contingent includes goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, midfielder Thalente Mbatha, and forwards Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Sundowns are represented by captain Ronwen Williams, defenders Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba and Khulumani Ndamane, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams, and forwards Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane and Thapelo Morena.

Kaizer Chiefs have four players in the preliminary squad: goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, defenders Bradley Cross and Thabiso Monyane, and midfielder Lebohang Maboe.

Broos has also included

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Bafana Bafana slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Panama at a sold-out DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday night, handing Hugo Broos his first home loss since taking charge of the national side.

The result brought an end to a two-match friendly series between the teams after they had played to a 1-1 draw in Durban on Friday.

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South Africa started brightly and enjoyed good spells of possession, but neither side could find a breakthrough in a tight first half.

Panama struck first shortly after the restart when José Córdoba found the net in the 58th minute to put the visitors ahead and silence a passionate Cape Town crowd.

Bafana Bafana responded with intent and were back on level terms six minutes later through defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who produced a superb long-range finish in the 64th

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After a promising first encounter, the South African national football team returns to action against Panama’s national football team in their second international friendly, this time under the lights at the iconic Cape Town Stadium.

The match will kick off at 19:30 in DHL Stadium on Tuesday.

The clash comes off the back of a competitive first meet between the two sides, where Bafana Bafana showed resilience and attacking intent. 

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South Africa walked away with valuable lessons and momentum after a hard-fought performance that saw captain Ronwen Williams named Man of the Match for his commanding presence and crucial saves between the posts.

Now, with adjustments expected and confidence building, head coach Hugo Broos will be looking to fine-tune his combinations against a Panama side ranked higher globally and known for its

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