World Cup 2026: All African countries must rally their support behind South Africa against Mexico — Julius Malema

Leader of South Africa's Julius Malema has called on Africans across the continent to unite behind South Africa's national football team ahead of their opening match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His appeal comes amid growing debate on social media, where some Africans have indicated support for Mexico, citing concerns over xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, particularly fellow Africans, in South Africa.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, June 11, Mr. Malema urged Africans not to allow recent tensions to undermine continental solidarity.

"All African countries must rally their support behind South Africa tonight against Mexico," he stated.

South Africa will face Mexico in the opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The fixture marks the start of the tournament, which features 104 matches in the largest World Cup ever staged.

The encounter also revives memories of the two nations' famous meeting in the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. On that occasion, the teams played out a 1-1 draw, with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring a memorable opener before Rafael Márquez equalised for Mexico.

Sixteen years later, the two sides meet again in another World Cup curtain raiser, this time on Mexican soil, in a match expected to attract attention from football fans across Africa and beyond.