How the real Bafana stirred at World Cup: ‘I don’t want to experience pain like that again’
In Pachuca, Mexico
Ronwen Williams Sport News
Czechs and South Africa under pressure after opening losses
ATLANTA, June 16 : Defeat in their opening Group A games leaves the Czech Republic and South Africa playing catch-up when they meet in Atlanta on Thursday, and both sides need a vastly improved performance in order to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener amid 3 red cards - ESPN
Co-hosts Mexico got off to a victorious start, beating South Africa 2-0 as the largest World Cup in history kicked off Thursday at Mexico City's famed Estadio Azteca.
Bafana player ratings | Mbokazi held firm, most went into hiding in messy World Cup opener
When the whole world was watching, Bafana Bafana players went into hiding after losing their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2-0 to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico beat South Africa to kick off World Cup
MEXICO CITY: Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second as the co-hosts’ bid for qualification from Group A got off to smooth start. South Africa meanwhile never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off. The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca, the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups. South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena. But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico’s fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of “Ole!” in the opening minutes. Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones’ opening goal. Sithole’s miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez when clean through on goal. Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod
Mexico coach Aguirre leaves veteran goalkeeper out for World Cup opener
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World Cup 2026: list of 26-man squads at the finals
Full list of players called up for the June 11th - July 19th World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States: