Bafana Bafana Fall to Mexico in World Cup Opener 

By: Sethu Makamu 

 

Bafana Bafana were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 

FIFA World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday night. The result 

handed the co-hosts a winning start to their campaign while South Africa will 

now look to bounce back in their remaining Group A fixtures. 

Mexico started well and took the lead within ten minutes when Julia n 

Quin ones punished a defensive error to score the first goal of the tournament. 

Mexico had plenty of the ball and attacked more and South Africa found it hard 

to create clear chances in the first half. Mexico were handed the game shortly 

after the break when South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight 

red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Bafana were up 

against a confident Mexican side and had their work cut out after being 

reduced to 10 men. In the 67th minute Mexico doubled their advantage, 

veteran striker Rau l Jime nez heading in from close range. 

Discipline was a major talking point as South Africa were reduced to nine men 

following the late sending off of Themba Zwane. There were three red cards in 

the game, with Mexico also finishing with ten men after Ce sar Montes was sent 

off in stoppage time. 

 

South African coach Hugo Broos was disappointed with the result but pointed 

to positives in his side’s defensive organisation and was confident that better 

attacking play would help Bafana Bafana recover in their next group-stage 

match.