Tshabalala Sees Mexico vs South Africa as a “Second Leg” 16 Years Later

Former South African international Siphiwe Tshabalala, scorer of the iconic opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, revisited the unforgettable clash between South Africa and Mexico and described their upcoming meeting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as feeling “like a second leg,” sixteen years after that historic night.

Tshabalala spoke with emotion about the 1–1 draw that opened the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, a match etched into football history thanks to his powerful left-footed strike that ignited the home crowd. In that same match, Rafael Márquez equalized for Mexico national football team, sealing a result that became symbolic of the tournament’s dramatic start.

Looking ahead to 2026, Tshabalala described the upcoming showdown as a chance to close a historic circle. This time, Mexico will host South Africa national football team at the legendary Estadio Azteca, where both nations are set to open the World Cup. For the former winger, the emotional parallels to 2010 are impossible to ignore.

Back in South Africa 2010, Tshabalala opened the scoring in the 55th minute at Soccer City, before Márquez responded for El Tri to secure a 1–1 draw. That night marked the beginning of a World Cup filled with intensity, passion, and competitive balance. Now, the same fixture returns under a different light, with Mexico as host and the Azteca once again taking center stage on the global football map.

The Mexico vs South Africa rematch carries a special sense of nostalgia and symbolism. Fans from both nations eagerly anticipate this unique reunion, where past and present collide on one of football’s most iconic stages, setting the tone for what promises to be a historic opening to the 2026 World Cup.