THE 2026 FIFA World Cup sees Bafana Bafana facing Mexico in the opening match.
On Friday night at the draw conducted in the US, pitted Bafana who drew with Mexico 1-all draw during the 2010 WC held in South Africa.
Bafana who last appeared in the WC as far back as 2010, has been drawn in the Group A, alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winners of a March play-off between Denmark, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and the Republic of Ireland.
US, Mexico and Canada are the hosts for the 2026 WC.
The draw was attended by world dignitaries including President Donald Trump, who was seen dancing along to a popular song performed by legends on stage, post the draw.
Other guests included football legends, basketball star Shaquille O’ Neal and celebrated actor/comedian Kevin Hart.
SA was presented by coach Hugo Broos, his assistant Helman Mkhalele and SAFA boss Dr Danny Jordaan.
Long standing Bafana sponsor Castle Lager hosted dinner draw party in Braam, on Friday evening, that was attended by current and former stars such as Shaun Bartlett, scorer of the historic 2010 WC Simphiwe Tshabalala, keeper Ronwen Williams and striker Mohau Nkota.
Trump also received FIFA’s inaugural peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Centre in Washington.
Presented by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump called it “one of the greatest honours of my life,” noting that millions of lives had been saved through discussions with the football body.
One would have hoped Jordaan, a lawyer by profession, would have a word with Pres Trump and talk sense to him, only just.
