Five things that could be crucial as Mexico take on South Africa in World Cup opener

The match is expected to be played in front of a record 1.5 billion people, with the world's eyes truly fixed on the famous stadium so steeped in footballing history.

There are numerous factors that might decide the game, but we have chosen five that could prove decisive to the final outcome.

Handling the moment

Whoever settles first and copes better with the nerves will be key. The pressure undoubtedly rests on Mexico; outside of South Africa, few people probably believe Bafana Bafana stand much of a chance.

But with that expectation, felt in the stands and by the 1.5 billion watching globally, comes a burden that will weigh more heavily on the Mexican side the longer the match stays at 0-0.

An early goal for them will really calm their nerves and could pave the way for a comfortable win, as it would force Bafana Bafana to abandon their defensive shape.

If South Africa score first, that will spark panic among the home team and play into Bafana's hands as they seek to catch the hosts on the counter-attack.

This will be the biggest match of their careers for both sets of players. Who will crack under that pressure?

A defensive game plan

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has a system for tournament football, especially in matches where he believes South Africa are outmatched.

It is about staying compact, frustrating the opposition, and hitting them on the break with the pace his side possess up front and their ability to move the ball forward quickly.

It is not rocket science, but it was extremely effective for the team on their way to the bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

This is a step up in quality from the teams they faced there, bar perhaps a very strong Nigeria side who they held to a draw in the semi-finals before losing on penalties.

But it only works while the match is level. If Bafana are forced to come out of their shell, they can be brutally exposed.

Aerial vulnerability

Bafana have shown in recent times that high balls into their box have been difficult to deal with.

That is why Broos has brought the tall Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya into the squad at such a late stage, to try to correct what has become a bad habit.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is an excellent defender, incredibly strong in the tackle and quick across the ground. But he is 1.77m tall (5ft 10in).

The average height of centre-backs at the 2026 World Cup is around 1.87m, a full 10 centimetres taller than Mbokazi. Both Okon and Makhanya are in this ballpark.

That is why Mbokazi needs a tall centre-back alongside him to try to offset his relative lack of height, but this is an area opposing teams can target.

Mexico at home

Mexico have not lost a home competitive fixture since a shock 2-1 defeat to Honduras in World Cup qualifying in 2013. Two goals in three second-half minutes turned things around for the visitors after they fell behind.

Bafana need to hope for such a scenario, where the Mexican mask slips for a period during the game and they can take advantage. One goal leads to two and so on.

But Mexico are supremely confident on their own turf and will be spurred on by their passionate fans.

To win, Bafana would need to do something no one has managed in 13 years. That is also why a draw would be an excellent result.

Hosts undercooked?

Mexico's last 14 games have all been friendly internationals (W6 D6 L2); they have not played a competitive fixture since winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July last year.

That is almost 12 months, and there is a school of thought that this lack of competitive edge could harm them.

In that time, Bafana Bafana have finished a tough World Cup qualifying campaign and taken part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Is there a school of thought that they might be more battle-hardened than their hosts?

It may be a small consideration, but in World Cups, every tiny percentage of advantage can help.