Lyle Foster should be the starter in charge of South Africa’s attack in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old center forward, from England’s Burnley, is Hugo Broos’ main offensive reference 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 September 3, 2000 in Carletonville, South Africa, Lyle Brent Foster is 1.85m tall and stands out for his physical presence, speed, finishing and heading. A Premier League player, he has been called up for the South African national team and arrived at the World Cup as one of the most experienced names in European football in the Bafana Bafana squad.
Foster’s trajectory and moment
Formed at Orlando Pirates, Foster stood out in Europe through Westerlo, Belgium, before arriving at Burnley in 2023. In the 2025/2026 season, he has contributed with goals and assists in the Premier League, showing adaptation to the high English level. In the national team, his presence in the debut represents the hope of efficient counterattacks against Mexico, repeating the opening clash of the 2010 World Cup, now reversed.
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 87,000 Mexican fans at the legendary Azteca, Bafana Bafana is banking on Foster’s tactical discipline and speed to surprise the favorite host in the expanded 48-team competition.
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.
