South Africa opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup finals campaign on a losing note after falling 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in a dramatic match at a packed Azteca Stadium on Thursday night.
Mexico struck early, delighting the home crowd when Julian Quinones fired the hosts ahead in the ninth minute after dispossessing South Africa midfielder Sphephelo Sithole.
Quinones nearly doubled the lead before half‑time, rattling the post with a low drive as South Africa struggled to settle in their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
The match turned decisively against Bafana Bafana five minutes into the second half when Sithole was sent off for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as he raced through on goal.
Reduced to 10 men, South Africa conceded again moments later when veteran striker Raul Jimenez headed in Roberto Alvarado’s cross to make it 2-0, sparking emotional celebrations from the Mexican forward.
South Africa’s night worsened when substitute Themba Zwane received a straight red card for slapping Alvarado, leaving the visitors with nine men.
Mexico were also reduced to 10 players towards the end of the match after Cesar Montes was dismissed for a foul on Khuliso Mudau but the hosts comfortably protected their two‑goal advantage.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana under early pressure in Group A where they will also face the Czech Republic and Uruguay in what analysts have described as one of the tournament’s more demanding pools.
South Africa must take points off the Czech Republic and South Korea to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
South Korea beat Czech Republic 2-1 in the other Group A match also played on Thursday night.
As a result, Mexico tops the table with three points, same as South Korea who are in second place due to an inferior goal difference. South Africa anchors the table.
For Mexico, the victory provides early momentum as they seek to capitalise on home advantage in the expanded 2026 finals.
JN/APA