June 11, 2026
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio shows a red card to South Africa’s midfielder #13 Sphephelo Sithole next to South Africa’s goalkeeper #01 Ronwen Williams during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)
South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has urged his teammates not to lose faith in their World Cup campaign despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana endured a difficult evening at a packed Estadio Azteca, conceding an early goal to Julian Quinones before Raul Jimenez sealed victory for the hosts in the second half. South Africa also finished the match with nine men following the dismissals of Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane.
Reflecting on the defeat, Williams admitted that South Africa’s plans were disrupted by the early breakthrough.
