Ime Okon should be a starter in South Africa’s defense in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old central defender, from Germany’s Hannover 96, is one of Hugo Broos’ great defensive 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 February 20, 2004 in Johannesburg, Ime Daniel Okon is 1.87m tall and stands out for his aerial presence, defensive positioning, strength in tackles, ball recovery and good passing with his right foot. A young pillar of Bafana Bafana, he arrives at the World Cup after a rapid rise from South Africa to Europe.
Okon’s trajectory and moment
Trained at SuperSport United, where he played 43 games between 2023 and 2025, Okon moved to Hannover 96 in July 2025 with a contract until 2029. In the 2025/2026 season in the 2. Bundesliga, he accumulated 25 games, 2 goals, a high number of tackles and solid performances, quickly adapting to German football. In the national team, with his debut in 2025 in the COSAFA Cup and important goals, his presence in the defense of the historic debut represents the bet on the new generation to contain the Mexican attack in the now inverted 2010 World Cup opening match.
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 Okon’s solidity alongside teammates like Mbekezeli Mbokazi 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,Ime Okon(or Mothobi Mvala), 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.