It was a disappointing start for Bafana Bafana at the start of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign as they went down 2-0 to Mexico in the opening match of the tournament last night.
There were high hopes for the team as Captain Ronwen Williams led his teammates onto the pitch in Mexico City at the iconic Estadio Azteca, but it was not to be.
Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez cemented Mexico’s victory. At the same time, Bafana Bafana had to finish the game with nine men following red cards for Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane in the second half.
South Africa will have a chance to redeem itself when they face Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday, 18 June. Both Sithole and Zwane will, however, miss this match.
Head Coach Hugo Broos says the team will now turn their attention to the remaining group matches.
“There is still seven days (before the next group match), and these guys are professionals. If you cannot recuperate in seven days before another game, that is ridiculous. I do not think it will be a problem (regrouping before the next game). We need the next two days to get over today’s disappointment and also the fatigue. The guys will be ready again from Saturday and Sunday to have good training. Also, we have to work on our offensive game because it was not enough today.”
Mexico will play South Korea in their second Group A match on Friday, 19 June. Mexico is at the top of Group A, while South Korea is in second place after beating Czechia 2-1 in their first match of the tournament earlier today.
“We don’t really know what South African team that was tonight” 🇿🇦
John Terry shares his thoughts on Bafana Bafana’s performance 🗣️#FIFAWorldCup2026 | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #EverythingCanWait pic.twitter.com/T21bLxk09F
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 11, 2026
While it ended in disappointment for South Africa in the Group A Stage, Thursday’s match marked exactly 16 years since South Africa, as host nation, opened the first World Cup on African soil against Mexico in Johannesburg.
This year’s FIFA World Cup is being hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
For the first time in the history of the tournament, there were three separate opening ceremonies. South African pop superstar Tyla sang the National Anthem ahead of Bafana’s first match.
Wait, her dress is a Vuvuzela🥺🥺🥺 https://t.co/KoJXWfH97N
— Berzatto🇿🇦 (@THEOKINGB) June 11, 2026
