Samukele Kabini - bouncing back after 2-0 defeat to Mexico

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. Defender Samukele Kabini admitted it had been a difficult evening but insisted there is still everything to play for in the group.