Relebohile Mofokeng should be one of South Africa’s main offensive players in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 21-year-old forward/midfielder, from Orlando Pirates, is one of Hugo Broos’ promises 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 October 23, 2004 in Sharpeville, Gauteng, Relebohile Mofokeng is 1.68m tall and stands out for his speed, dribbling, vision of the game and ability to play as a left winger or attacking midfielder. A product of Orlando Pirates’ youth teams, he has recently been called up by Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup as one of the most exciting talents in the South African squad.
Mofokeng’s trajectory and moment
Graduated from the SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence and promoted to the Buccaneers first team in 2023, Mofokeng is experiencing an exceptional moment in the 2025/2026 season. With 10 goals and 8 assists in 27 Premiership games, he was a key player in the club’s treble. In the national team, his presence in the historic debut symbolizes the commitment to the new generation to create danger in counterattacks against the strong 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 87,000 Mexican fans at the legendary Azteca, Bafana Bafana is betting on the tactical discipline, speed and young talent of Mofokeng to surprise the host favorite in the expanded competition, 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.(Relebohile Mofokeng should come in as an impact option on the wing or in the middle, with offensive variations depending on the Broos).
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.
