Ronwen Williams should start in goal for South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, from Mamelodi Sundowns, and captain of Bafana Bafana, is Hugo Broos’ main defensive 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 January 21, 1992 in Gqeberha, Ronwen Hayden Williams is 1.84m tall and stands out for his security, reflexes, area command and accumulated experience. Captain of the South African team since 2021, he has accumulated more than 60 caps and arrives at the World Cup as one of the most experienced players in the squad, inspired by the memory of his deceased brother.
Williams’ trajectory and moment
With a long spell at SuperSport United (2010-2022) and since then at Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams won multiple national and continental titles. In the 2025/2026 Premiership season, he recorded 13 clean sheets, 46 saves and a high average performance, being elected one of the best goalkeepers in Africa. In the national team, his leadership in the historic debut symbolizes Bafana Bafana’s resilience in the reunion with Mexico, repeating the opening 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 thousand Mexican fans at the legendary Azteca, Bafana Bafana is betting on tactical discipline, quick counterattacks and Williams’ decisive interventions to maintain the host’s favoritism in the expanded 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 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.
