Home ground advantage and altitude

Bafana Bafana are set to face Mexico at their Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, knowing that they will be up against a majority of home supporters, especially given the magnitude of the occasion.

However, despite most of Javier Aguirre's Mexican squad plying their trade abroad they would have a better idea of conditions regardless of where they play their respective club football.

South Africa's delayed arrival to North America due to VISA issues could also play a role as it limits the time the squad has to acclimatize to conditions barring MLS based duo Olwethu Makhanya [Philadelphia Union] and Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire].

International experience

The Mexican squad boasts more experience at international level that the South African team.

South Africa head into the tournament with only Mamelodi Sundowns midfield star Themba Zwane [54], Teboho Mokoena [56] and captain Ronwen Williams [63] having played more than 50 matches for the national team in the current squad.

Meanwhile, Mexico has a couple of centurions in goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa [153 caps] and striker Raul Jimenez [125 caps] headlining an experienced core of players.

The African side will have to rise to the occasion regardless of the difference in experience.

Rankings pressure

Mexico head into the tournament as favorites to qualify to the knockout round, as they hold the highest spot on the FIFA World Rankings [15th] ahead of South Korea [32nd], Czech Republic [40th] and South Africa in 60th position.

The pressure of playing against the lowest ranked nation in the group means general expectations are for a Mexican victory in the opening game, who are yet to win a single of their five openers in the tournament.

Bafana Bafana will be aware of the gap in rankings but will also be seeking their first opening matchday win at the tournament.

Previous results between the nations

Mexico have lost once to South African in international fixtures, winning the first two fixtures between the sides before a surprise loss in the Gold Cup and the 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup opener.

The El Tri will want to end their two match winless streak against Bafana while the visitors target nothing less than a draw in their opening match against their highly favored opponents.

Individual brilliance

The World Cup has become a great stage for footballers to market themselves to potential suitors during the summer transfer window, which will inspire some prospects to try shine at the tournament.

In the Mexican side, eyes will be on 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot winner Julian Quinones, 29, and Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora, 17, for moments of brilliance, while Mzansi will be hoping the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Teboho Mokoena for inspiration.

A single moment of brilliance could decide the result in this fixture.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Five key factors ahead of Bafana Bafana's opener against Mexico