Reuben Abati, former spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has urged Nigerians to support Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa. The match takes place on Thursday, June 11, at the iconic Mexico City Stadium.
Speaking on Arise News' The Morning Show, Abati criticized South Africans for reported xenophobic rhetoric against Nigerians. He stated: 'Today, South Africa and Mexico will play the first match at the Azteca Stadium. I urge all Nigerians to support Mexico to avoid South Africans saying these Nigerians have come again, leading to another wave of xenophobic attacks. I think we will be safer to support Mexico.'
Abati added: 'The match is this evening. I expect Nigerians to support Mexico. Why should we support South Africa? They say we don't like them. They say we are doing their job. Let us not do their job for them. We support Mexico.'
World Cup 2026 Opening Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins with the opening ceremony and match between Mexico and South Africa. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
South Africa's preparations have faced challenges, and Bafana Bafana enter the match as underdogs. The match is scheduled for 20:00 BST on ITV.
Xenophobic Tensions
Abati's comments come amid reports of Nigerians facing humiliation in South Africa. He believes supporting Mexico will reduce the risk of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
World Cup Schedule
The group stage includes 48 teams, with matches scheduled from June 11 to June 27. The knockout stage begins on June 28 with the Round of 32, leading to the final on July 19.
Key Group Stage Matches
- June 11: Mexico vs South Africa
- June 12: South Korea vs Czechia
- June 13: USA vs Paraguay
- June 14: Germany vs Curacao
- June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde
Knockout Stages
The Round of 32 runs from June 28 to July 4, followed by the Round of 16 from July 4 to 7. Quarter-finals take place on July 9-11, semi-finals on July 14-15, the third-place playoff on July 18, and the final on July 19.
CAF Message to Ghana
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a message to Ghana's Black Stars ahead of the tournament. CAF posted on X: 'Some World Cup stories never fade. Ghana gave Africa one of its greatest. It's time for a new chapter.'
Henry's Favourite
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry tipped France to win the 2026 World Cup. France are in Group I with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Henry said: 'I see France as the top contender because we've reached the last two finals. Squad depth is crucial.'
