South Africa and Mexico, coached by Javier Aguirre, renew a 16-year-old rivalry as the World Cup 2026 opener pits them against each other in Mexico City. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has a score to settle with Bafana Bafana when the two sides meet in the FIFA World Cup opener at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
Aguirre was Mexico’s coach at the 2010 World Cup when Bafana, who were the hosts, held the Latin American country to a draw in a pulsating opening game at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
But Aguirre met Bafana again at the 2019 AFCON when the veteran coach was in charge of Egypt. Bafana beat Aguirre’s side in the Round of 16, eliminating the hosts, which prompted the Egyptian FA to terminate the 67-year-old’s contract.
Now back at the helm of 2026 hosts Mexico, Aguirre is seeking his first victory over South Africa.
"South Africa has done very well; they beat me in the Africa Cup of Nations when I coached Egypt, and we faced each other with Mexico years ago. They are improving with some players abroad,” he said to Enfoque Noticias.
Bafana have not had the best of build-ups with draws against Nicaragua (0-0) and Jamaica (1-1), but Aguirre believes that under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, the South Africans have improved greatly and pose a stern challenge.
"Let's hope this is the one. We respect them a lot," Aguirre said, per TVN. "The team is in its best physical, athletic, and mental shape. South Africa is a tough team. It doesn't really have the African style, nor the European one. It's a mix, with a Belgian coach (Broos) who knows a lot about tactical work," he added.