STORY: :: Fans of Mexico and South Africa celebrate ahead of the World Cup's opening match

:: Mexico City / June 11, 2026

MAMA JOY: "We are here, we are South African. We came to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mama Joy is here guys. It is not an AI, it´s Mama Joy." 

The atmosphere is expected to be festive as more than 80,000 fans pack the renovated Azteca for the first match of the expanded 48-team tournament, but the occasion will bring its own pressure for a side expected to make the most of the home advantage.

Mexican fans easily outnumbered their South African counterparts in the Azteca precinct, but the few Bafana Bafana supporters made their presence known.