South Africa have been handed an encouraging fitness boost ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with defender Aubrey Modiba returning to full training as preparations intensify for Thursday’s clash against hosts Mexico.
The experienced left wing-back completed his first full training session with Bafana Bafana in Pachuca, Mexico, without any reported setbacks, raising hopes that he could feature in one of the most important matches of South Africa’s recent football history.
Modiba has been working his way back from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the end of the domestic season.
The injury prevented him from participating fully in the national team’s preparations and ruled him out of recent warm-up matches against Nicaragua and Jamaica.
However, his successful return to full training has provided a welcome lift for coach Hugo Broos, who is seeking to assemble his strongest possible side for the World Cup opener.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Broos indicated that he remains optimistic about the defender’s chances of being available for selection against Mexico.
The Belgian coach’s comments suggest that Modiba is firmly back in contention after spending several weeks undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
The timing could hardly be better for South Africa.
Bafana Bafana are preparing for a challenging start to their World Cup campaign against the tournament hosts, and the availability of a player with Modiba’s experience would strengthen the squad considerably.
His absence during the team’s recent friendlies was noticeable, particularly given his importance on the left flank. Known for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Modiba has become one of South Africa’s most reliable performers in recent years.
For Broos, having additional options available could prove crucial as he finalises his plans for the Group Stage encounter.
South Africa’s preparations have focused on ensuring players arrive at the tournament in peak condition, and Modiba’s recovery appears to represent another positive step in that process.
The defender’s successful training session also offers encouragement to supporters who had been concerned about his fitness after he missed the fixtures against Nicaragua and Jamaica.
While no final decision has been made regarding his participation against Mexico, his return to full training significantly improves the likelihood that he could play some role in the match.
The development highlights the importance of squad management during major tournaments, where injuries can quickly alter a team’s prospects.
For South Africa, the prospect of having one of their key defenders available again could provide both tactical flexibility and a psychological boost as they prepare to take on the hosts.
With the World Cup opener now only days away, all eyes will be on the final training sessions to determine whether Modiba has done enough to earn a place in the starting line-up.
