South Africa’s FIFA World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start after suffering a first-round defeat to Mexico, prompting a wave of reactions from football fans across Africa, many of whom openly celebrated the Mexican victory.
The result sparked intense discussion on social media, where comments from several African countries highlighted lingering frustrations over xenophobic incidents that have affected African migrants living in South Africa over the years.
Paulino Bungallah, a football fan from Mozambique, expressed his feelings in a strongly worded post.
“As a Mozambican and an African, I speak on behalf of millions across the continent and abroad: today, we are all proudly supporting Mexico.
“If South Africa is the only team on the pitch, I’ll be cheering for the stadium, the grass, the goalposts, the ball boys, and even the referee. Anything and everything, except The Tsotsi Team.”
He further referred to South Africa as the “Xenophobia Team” and called for an end to attacks on foreign nationals.
Another social media user, Guzman Cloud, criticized South Africa’s preparation for the tournament, writing:
“Other countries were busy training while Bafana Bafana were busy doing march and march.”
Mirriam Pachalo also joined the online conversation, claiming that the Mexican victory was widely celebrated across the African continent.
“Mexico and the remaining 53 African countries are happy,” she wrote.
Similarly, Yoni Jonah Merga echoed the sentiment expressed by other critics of South Africa.
“Even if South Africa was playing alone in the stadium I would support the stadium,” he posted.
Dominic Banda added:
“Even if South Africa had accidentally won, I would still have congratulated Mexico.”
Despite the criticism and mockery circulating online, the South African government has urged citizens to continue supporting the national team.
In a media statement issued on June 11, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) praised Bafana Bafana’s effort despite the defeat.
“Government commends Bafana Bafana for their spirited performance in their opening match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup.
While the final score was not what the nation had hoped for, the team represented South Africa with unity, determination, and a sense of pride on the world’s biggest stage,” the statement read.
The government encouraged the players, coaching staff and support personnel to remain focused as they prepare for their remaining group-stage matches.
South Africans were also urged to wear the national colors on “Bafana Fridays” and continue rallying behind the team throughout the tournament.
“South Africa remains proud of Bafana Bafana and believes in their ability to bounce back stronger,” the statement concluded.
With several matches still to play, Bafana Bafana now face the challenge of recovering from their opening setback and keeping their World Cup hopes alive, while also navigating the intense scrutiny and criticism that have emerged from sections of the African football community
Mexico won the opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2026. The two goals were scored by Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
South Africa’s task became even more difficult after two players were sent off, finishing the match with nine men.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by three countries: United States, Mexico and Canada.
This is the first World Cup in history to be hosted by three nations. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches being played across 16 host cities in the three countries.
The opening match was played in Mexico City, where Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in the United States.
Mexico is also making history as the first country to host or co-host a men’s World Cup three times.
