French football legend Frank Leboeuf urges Bafana Bafana to believe in themselves and seize the opportunity to advance beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, despite being in a challenging Group A with Mexico, Korea Republic, and Czechia. Picture: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP

French football legend Frank Leboeuf says belief is the key to Bafana Bafana advancing beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick-off is at 9pm SA time.

In their three previous appearances at the World Cup, South Africa has failed to reach the knockout stages.

With the new expanded format of the 48-team tournament though, it gives Bafana the best chance to make it out of their group they’ve ever had.