Ronwen Williams excited for Bafana Bafana’s World Cup opener against hosts Mexico

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says he’s excited about starting South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

The national team was drawn into Group A during Friday’s draw in Washington, placing them alongside Mexico, South Korea and a European side still to be confirmed.

Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Ireland will compete in March for the final spot in the group.

Williams told SuperSport that the draw immediately reminded him of the 2010 World Cup opener, where South Africa and Mexico played to a memorable 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.

“It feels like a repeat of 2010,” he said, adding that facing the host nation again would be “great,” even though the home crowd will heavily favour Mexico.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also expects a bit of familiarity when they meet South Korea.

Sundowns recently beat Ulsan HD 1-0 in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a game in which Williams kept a clean sheet and Iqraam Rayners scored the winner.

He believes South Korea’s squad will feature several players from that Ulsan side.

Despite the tough group, Williams is confident South Africa can challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.

He explained that predicting where points will come from is impossible, but Bafana will approach each match with belief and determination.

“We’re not going there just to make up the numbers,” he said, noting that the team wants to measure how far they’ve progressed as a football nation.

While he emphasised that his comments aren’t intended to add pressure, Williams said the players are motivated by the opportunity, especially since it has been many years since South Africa last featured at the global showpiece.

He believes the squad has what it takes to advance beyond the group stage.