Nine-man Bafana Bafana got their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after a defeat to Mexico in the opening game of the tournament at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
The South African senior men’s national team suffered a 0-2 defeat after goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez ensured wild celebrations at the packed venue. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges were further hindered when Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off in the 49th and 84th minute respectively. The two players will miss Bafana Bafana’s second group match against Czechia in Atlanta in the United States of America (USA) on June 18.“The performance was not what I expected. I think we have to analyse the game very well and see what was really wrong and try to make it better in the next few days so that we are ready for the first game against Mexico,” Broos said.
“I thought we were close (to getting to where he wants the team to be before the opening match), but again, it was, for me, a disappointing game this afternoon. So, yes, I have to look at what went wrong. I think it was also a matter of mentality. We have to do more, much more, than what we did this afternoon to have good results in the World Cup in the next few weeks.”
Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid insisted that Bafana Bafana held back against his team and did not unleash the full power of their talents at Estadio Hidalgo.
“As it relates to South Africa, I think they were playing within themselves, though, because probably, you know, players don’t want to get injured and everybody wants to impress the coach,” he said.
“I didn’t think they were going for it as much as they could have. But playing against Mexico in the Azteca Stadium (in the opening match of the World Cup), there’s going to be 123,000 screaming Mexicans in there, I can tell you. They’ll probably overload it, they’re going to be pressing high up the pitch, especially in the first half. They’re going to be pressing very high in the first half, relentless pressing, but of course, the pressure will ease as the game goes along.”
