Hugo Broos - 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Football World Cup opener

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and for Bafana Bafana, the harsh reality of football’s biggest stage hit home on Thursday night. South Africa’s campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in front of a packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where more than 80,000 passionate supporters created a deafening atmosphere. Following the defeat, Broos felt his side had competed well against the world’s 13th-ranked nation and stressed that the margins at World Cup level are exceptionally fine.