Bafana Bafana leave Mexico City empty-handed in World Cup opener against Mexico

Bafana Bafana of South Africa began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after falling 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in their opening Group A fixture on Thursday at a packed Mexico City Stadium.

The African side made a nervous start and were punished early when Julian Quiñones capitalised on a defensive mistake in the ninth minute to give Mexico a 1-0 lead.

The strike stunned South Africa, who had shown early attacking intent but struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity and quick movement in the final third.

Despite the setback, Hugo Broos’ men gradually grew into the contest and created a few promising opportunities.

Lyle Foster went close in the first half, while Mbekezile Mbokazi forced a sharp save as South Africa attempted to find an equaliser.

However, Mexico’s defensive organisation and midfield control limited clear-cut chances.

The match turned further against South Africa early in the second half when Yaya Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for a dangerous challenge, leaving Bafana Bafana to play with ten men for the remainder of the contest.

Mexico continued to press their advantage and eventually doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez met a precise cross from Roberto Alvarado, heading home into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 and effectively seal the result.

South Africa’s situation worsened in the closing stages when Themba Zwane was also sent off after a VAR review in the 84th minute, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men and ending any realistic hopes of a comeback.

Mexico also finished the match with ten men after César Montes was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge, as tensions flared late on.

Despite late efforts, including a low drive from Oswin Appollis that tested Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, the visitors could not break through as the hosts comfortably managed the final minutes.

There were two other red cards in the game, with Bafana Bafana's Themba Zwane and Mexico's César Montes dismissed in the closing stages.