Khuliso Mudau should be the starter on the right flank for South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 31-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 April 26, 1995 in Musina, Limpopo, Khuliso Johnson Mudau, known as “Sailorman”, is 1.81m tall and stands out for his defensive discipline, tireless work, consistency and versatility on the right side, and can also play as a right midfielder. An experienced player in the South African Premiership, he has received more than 30 caps for Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup as a fundamental part of the defense.
Mudau’s trajectory and moment
With spells at Magesi and Black Leopards, Mudau has established himself at Mamelodi Sundowns since 2020, winning multiple national titles and important contributions in continental competitions. In the 2025/2026 season, he recorded 20 games, 1 goal and 1 assist in the Premiership, maintaining a high level of regularity. In the national team, his presence in the historic debut symbolizes the experience and solidity needed to neutralize the attacks on the Mexican right side in the now reversed 2010 World Cup opening match.
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 Mudau’s solid work to protect the right flank and support offensive transitions.
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 Ime 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.
