Jayden Adams should be one of the main options in South Africa’s midfield in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old midfielder/midfielder, from Mamelodi Sundowns, is one of Hugo Broos’ bets 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 May 5, 2001 in Cape Town, Jayden Oswin Adams is 1.77m tall and stands out for his strength in marking, vision of the game, transition ability and versatility — being able to play as a central defender or striker. A rising player in South African football, he has recently been called up by Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup as one of the talents with the greatest potential for control in the middle.
Adams’ trajectory and moment
Trained at Stellenbosch and transferred to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, Adams is enjoying a solid moment in the 2025/2026 season, with 1 goal in 23 games in the Premiership and important contributions in winning titles such as the CAF Champions League. In the national team, he has more than 8 calls and 2 goals, representing the new generation capable of balancing defense and attack. His presence in the historic debut symbolizes the commitment to discipline and technical quality against the Mexican midfield.
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 is betting on tactical discipline, quick counterattacks and the work of Adams to protect the defense and start the plays against the favorite host, repeating the opening clash of the 2010 World Cup now reversed.
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.(Jayden Adams should act as an option in midfield, with variations depending on Broos’ scheme).
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.