Aubrey Modiba should be the starter on the left flank for South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 30-year-old defender, from Mamelodi Sundowns, is one of Hugo Broos’ references for the duel against Mexico, this Thursday (11), at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm (Brasília time).
Born on July 22, 1995 in Polokwane, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba is 1.71m tall and stands out for his versatility (he can play as a full-back or left midfielder), accurate crossing, strength in marking, good left foot and physical resistance. An experienced player in the South African Premiership, he is consistently called up by Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup recovered from injury as a fundamental part of the defensive scheme.
Modiba’s trajectory and moment
Trained at Cape Town City, with a spell at SuperSport United, Modiba has established himself at Mamelodi Sundowns since 2020, winning multiple national and continental titles. In the 2025/2026 season, he recorded 3 assists in 27 games in the Premiership, maintaining a high level even after a muscle injury. In the national team, his presence in the historic debut symbolizes his experience and ability to project the team from the left flank, helping both in defense and in counterattacks against Mexico.
South Africa is looking for points away from home in Group A, which also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic. In front of more than 87 thousand Mexican fans at the legendary Azteca, Bafana Bafana bet on tactical discipline, the speed of the attackers and the solid work of Modiba to neutralize the attacks on the Mexican left side, repeating the opening clash of the 2010 World Cup now inverted.
Probable lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez (or Israel Reyes), César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Álvaro Fidalgo (or Edson Álvarez), Roberto Alvarado; Brian Gutiérrez, Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala (or Okon), Nkosinathi Sibisi,Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole; Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana (or Oswin Appollis), Oswin Appollis; Lyle Foster.
Wilton Pereira Sampaio in arbitration
Brazilian Wilton Pereira Sampaio leads the match, with assistants Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia. It is the first time that a Brazilian referee has refereed the opening of a World Cup.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, transmission will be widespread. TV Globo and SBT show it live on open TV. SporTV, NSports and ge (Globoplay) cover closed TV and streaming. CazéTV, on YouTube, also broadcasts the game.