South Africa will open the 2026 World Cup against co‑hosts Mexico in Mexico City, echoing the 2010 opening match that ignited the tournament in Africa. Goalkeeper‑captain Ronwen Williams says leading Bafana Bafana feels like a tribute to his brother Marvin, who died two months before that historic game. The memory fuels his nerves as he prepares to walk out before 73,000 fans.

Coach Hugo Broos, appointed in 2021, instantly named Williams captain and revitalised a side that had languished in the doldrums. Under his guidance South Africa topped their qualifying group, finished above Nigeria and secured a third‑place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Williams stresses realism: the primary aim is to finish top‑four in Group A and reach the knockout round.

Williams describes his captaincy as providing stability, the ‘glue’ that holds the back line together. His penalty‑saving pedigree includes four saves in the 2023 Afcon quarter‑final and two in the third‑place playoff, earning him the 2024 African Goalkeeper of the Year award and a Yashin nomination. If South Africa survives the group, his shot‑stopping could prove decisive in any knockout shootout.