Oswin Appollis should be one of South Africa’s main offensive players in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 24-year-old forward/midfielder, from Orlando Pirates, 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 August 25, 2001 in Cape Town, Oswin Reagan Appollis, known as “Ossie” or “10111”, is 1.71m tall and stands out for his speed, dribbling, vision of the game, finishing and ability to play as a winger or attacking midfielder. A player in great form at Orlando Pirates, he is consistently called up by Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup as one of the most creative talents in the South African squad.
Appollis trajectory and moment
Trained in Cape Town and with a remarkable spell at Orlando Pirates, where he joined in 2025, Appollis is experiencing the peak of his career in the 2025/2026 season. With 9 goals and 6 assists in 30 Premiership games, he was instrumental in the club’s good performance. In the national team, he has more than 28 calls and 11 goals, representing the new generation capable of creating danger on counterattacks. His presence in the historic debut symbolizes the bet on skill and unpredictability against the Mexican defense.
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 the tactical discipline, speed and talent of Appollis to surprise the host favorite, 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.
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.