Mexico outclasses South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup: double red card for Bafana Bafana

The 2026 World Cup has started with a nightmare for South Africa. In the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to the host country. Things went wrong already in the ninth minute: midfielder Sphephelo Sithole lost possession on the edge of his own penalty area, which directly led to Mexico's opening goal. Later in the second half, two red cards followed for South Africa, first for Sithole and then for striker Themba Zwane after VAR intervention.

Former captain Dean Furman was brutal in his analysis: "South Africa was miles behind. Not one player in yellow can say he can look himself in the mirror. Mexico was the superior party from the first whistle: calm on the ball, convincing and immediately dangerous every time we lost the ball."

Captain Ronwen Williams admitted that it was a difficult afternoon, but was positive about his team's perseverance. “We didn't give up, even with nine men. That shows what kind of character this group has,” said Williams. Disappointment predominates among the supporters. In Johannesburg the team was accused of stage fright and the audience thought the game was too conservative.

National coach Hugo Broos mainly disputed the second red card. "With the second red card, I thought our player was blocked by the Mexican," he responded afterwards. Nevertheless, Furman ruled that Themba Zwane should rightly be sent off the field according to the current rules. "It's the modern game; you simply can't hit back or strike out."

The defeat has not only brought criticism internally to South Africa. Due to recent anti-migration protests in the country, the rest of Africa appears to have massively supported Mexico. In Nairobi, 'hate-watch' parties were even organized to the detriment of Bafana Bafana. Yet there are also African fans – especially from Ghana – who supported South Africa.

The task now remains for South Africa to quickly regroup. The second group match awaits the Czech Republic, which also lost its first match (2-1 against South Korea). Former international Furman hopes that national coach Broos will opt for a more attacking system. "We now have to go for a win with attacking football. Two matches, all or nothing," said Furman.