2026 World Cup: How did South Africa fare in their opening group match?

11.06.26 FT World Cup

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South Africa

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South Africa will be making their fourth appearance in a World Cup final tournament, following their previous participations in 1998, 2002, and 2010.

Drawn into Group A, Bafana Bafana will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign on Thursday, June 11, against Mexico.

The South African squad is still chasing their first-ever victory in an opening group stage match.

In 1998, they suffered a 0-3 defeat to France, before drawing 2-2 with Paraguay in their opening match of the 2002 edition. In 2010, they played out a 1-1 draw against Mexico.

South Africa’s task won’t be easy in their 2026 World Cup opener, especially as they face off against one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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