Steven Pienaar Warns Mexico About World Cup Pressure Ahead of 2026 Opener

The former South African star knows what it feels like to open a World Cup. Now he believes Mexico will face that same challenge.

A World Cup reunion 16 years later

June 11 is a special date for both Mexico and South Africa. Just as they opened the World Cup together in 2010, they will do it again 16 years later, this time at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

One of the players who was on the field that day in Johannesburg was Steven Pienaar, who enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League with Everton and Tottenham, while also starring for Ajax in the Eredivisie. The South African remembers that match as one that was not easy to handle, largely because of the atmosphere surrounding the occasion.

The pressure of opening a World Cup

“The pressure was tremendous,” Pienaar recalled in an exclusive interview with beIN SPORTS. “It was very difficult. You could feel the tension within the team. And those of us who already had World Cup experience tried to tell the younger players not to worry, that we were playing at home and that it was just another game,” he said from the United Arab Emirates, where he now resides.

“And that helped the boys. The pressure was incredible. I think the Mexican team, at this World Cup, will feel that same pressure,” the South African added.

Pienaar, who was part of South Africa's squads at the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, believes Mexico could experience something very similar in 2026 as they prepare to play in front of a packed Estadio Azteca.

Football - South Africa v Mexico - FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 - Group A - Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - 11/6/10 Steven Pienaar (2nd L) - South Africa lines up before kick off Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff

The weight of playing at the Estadio Azteca

“If you go to Mexico, you don't want to play in that stadium. It's one of the best football stadiums in the world. So I hope there will be more than 100,000 people there, if FIFA allows it,” he joked during a Zoom interview with beIN SPORTS.

“I don't want to say that's good for South Africa. If the Mexican team feeds off the atmosphere, it can be incredible for them. It can go either way. So we'll have to wait and see. I hope it works in South Africa's favor,” Pienaar said confidently.

His prediction for the 2026 opener

Pienaar also hopes his country can gain a measure of revenge after the 1-1 draw in Johannesburg in 2010:

“I think if South Africa doesn't go into the game nervous, then I think it will be 1-0 to South Africa. That's what I hope for, because obviously it would be a great result,” he concluded.