Tshepang Moremi should be a starter in South Africa’s attack in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old winger, from Orlando Pirates, is one of Hugo Broos’ main offensive options 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 2, 2000 in Sharpeville, Gauteng, Tshepang Moremi is 1.69m tall and stands out for his speed, dribbling, ability to play on both sides and direct contribution to goals and assists. A rising player in South African football, he has recently been called up by Bafana Bafana and arrives at the World Cup as one of the names with the greatest potential for imbalance on the flank.
Moremi’s trajectory and moment
Trained in the youth categories and with a remarkable spell at Orlando Pirates, where he won recent titles including a treble, Moremi is experiencing the peak of his career in the 2025/2026 season. With a good number of goals and assists in the Premiership, he represents the new generation of South African talent. In the national team, his presence in the debut symbolizes the commitment to speed and versatility to explore spaces against the Mexican defense in the historic reunion of the 2010 opening.
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 tactical discipline, quick counterattacks and Moremi’s talent to create danger and try to surprise the host favorite 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 Okon), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole; Themba Zwane, Elias Mokwana (or Oswin Appollis), Oswin Appollis; Lyle Foster.(Tshepang Moremi should play as a winger, with variations in the offensive line depending on Broos’ scheme).
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.