South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.
Broos, 74, will be making an emotional return to the Estadio Azteca when he leads South Africa into their daunting Group A assignment in Mexico City.
The former Belgium international experienced first-hand the noise of the Azteca during the 1986 finals in Mexico, where he played in the Red Devils' opener against the hosts.
Broos is bracing for more of the same on Thursday in a game that he regards as pivotal to South Africa's chances of advancing beyond the group stage.
𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇📽️ | Bafana Bafana's final training session as they prepare to tackle the hosts on opening night 🤩🔥#DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #EverythingCanWait https://t.co/1SDbd5Nbcp
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"There will be a big crowd and there will not be so much South African support," Broos said. "So that is a big help for them (Mexico).
"They will have 85 000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to focus on our game. And if we can do that, if we are not too influenced by the noise of 85 000 Mexicans, then we can have a good game."
Broos believes Mexico are the team to beat in Group A.
"I think they've won nearly all of their last 10 games," Broos said of 'El Tri'. "So they'll be a team with confidence...they're the best team in the group.
"So tomorrow it will be a very tough game. We need to be at our best level, but I can assure you our team is ready to fight for every metre and every ball."
Broos meanwhile admits he is no fan of the expanded 48-team World Cup, citing the gruelling travel schedule his team faces that includes games in Atlanta and Monterrey.
"It's a bit too big when you play with 48 countries," he said. "Forty years ago it was a World Cup in Mexico, but now it is modern times, and we have to adapt.
"It's more exhausting than the previous World Cup, when you are with less countries but we have to accept it."
It's been a long hard journey for Bafana Bafana and now We Are Here📍Let's have a look back at the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification. Are you ready Mzansi? 🇿🇦 💛💚🔥
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