Siphiwe Tshabalala's phone 'explodes' after Bafana land Mexico 2026 Fifa World Cup opener

“It’s been busy ...” That’s how an emotionally charged Siphiwe Tshabalala summed up the sudden buzz on his phone after Bafana Bafana were drawn to open the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June.

Bafana’s clash with Mexico will not be an ordinary game for either nation or for Tshabalala. It is déjà vu — a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, played more than 15 years ago when Bafana hosted the tournament on home soil at Soccer City (now FNB Stadium), also on 11 June.

The hosting of the 2010 global showpiece on home soil brought the nation together — whether at Soccer City, in front of the TV at a viewing party in the park, on the road, or in the comfort of their couches, among other places.

What made that day even more fulfilling was the fact that Bafana scored the opener as Tshabalala unleashed a bullet shot into the top corner early in the second half, triggering a cacophony of noise in the stadium, in parks, and in households across the country.

Tshabalala looked back at that goal — and his participation in the 2010 edition — with awe following the recent draw between Bafana and Mexico.

“It’s déjà vu, right? Same stage, World Cup, same opponent, same date and month,” said Tshabalala, speaking after the draw at a watch party at the Playground venue in Braamfontein on Friday night.

Having scored that iconic goal, which endeared him to fans across the world, Tshabalala revealed that he began receiving messages and calls immediately after Bafana were drawn against Mexico.

“It’s ringing now,” he said, referring to his phone when asked about the public’s reaction since Bafana learned their group and opponents for the upcoming global showpiece. “It’s been busy since we got drawn against Mexico.

"I have been getting messages from people all over the world — Russia, and my friends in Mexico. They are very excited about us being drawn against Mexico. I think the hype has begun. And I think it will be one of the games that most people will be looking forward to at the World Cup.”

Since becoming a Bafana legend during that 2010 opener against Mexico, Tshabalala has remained a key voice when it comes to talking about the World Cup and the experience that current and future teams can draw from. As such, he reflected on the draw that placed Bafana in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the play-offs involving Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of Ireland.

“I think I called it prior to the draw — my wish was to get drawn against Mexico, and it happened,” Tshabalala said. “It’s an interesting draw. It might look easy on paper, but for South Africa, I do feel like we have a chance. Our opening game is a return leg — we’re just playing away now, and we have a score to settle.”