World Cup 2026: Bafana Bafana’s Route to the Round of 32 Despite Losing to Mexico
- Bafana Bafana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup with a defeat against one of the co-hosts, Mexico, on Thursday evening
- All hope is not lost for Hugo Broos and his men, as there's still a possibility for them to qualify for the next round of the competition
- Briefly News has explained the three different ways Bafana Bafana can book a place in the Round of 32 after losing their opening match
South Africa started their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a bad note as they stumbled to a 2-0 defeat against Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Hugo Broos suffered defeat against the co-host thanks to goals from Julian Quinone and Raul Jimenez in each half of the match.
Bafana Bafana ended the match in a bad place with both Sithole and Themba Zwane being shown red cards in the second half, with Mexico also ending the game with one man down after Andre Montes brought down Khuliso Mudau outside the penalty area.
Mexico currently leads Group A with three points, with South Korea following them closely after they defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game. The host leads with a better goal difference.
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Issues with Bafana Bafana losing against Mexico
Bafana Bafana losing their first game at the World Cup has now made it difficult for them to qualify for the Round of 32. South Africa has been condemned to winning at least one of their last match and avoiding defeat in the other.
Broos' side hopes to make history by being the first South African squad to make it to the knockout stage, as they failed to do so in the competition in 2002 and when they hosted in 2010.
How Bafana Bafana can still qualify for Round 32
Bafana Bafana were hoping to start the World Cup without a defeat, but have now found themselves in a difficult position after losing against Mexico, with South Korea also getting all three points.
Source: Getty Images
There are numerous ways for South Africa to secure a place in the next round, but the most important thing is that they must avoid defeats in the last two group games.
First way to qualify: If Bafana Bafana win their last two group games against South Korea and the Czech Republic. This is the best and easiest option for them to qualify.
Second way to qualify: If Bafana Bafana win one and draw one in the last two matches. They would have the chance to finish second or among the eight best third-placed teams.
Third way to qualify: If Bafana Bafana win one of their last two matches, and wait to see if they would be ranked among the best eight third-placed teams.
All options are doable for Broos’ side, and them playing a draw in the last two group matches would put them in a difficult position of qualifying.
Why Zwane was sent off vs Mexico
Briefly News also reported why Themba Zwane was sent off during Bafana Bafana's 2-0 loss in their opening World Cup fixture against Mexico.
The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder was a second-half substitute in the match, but didn't last up to 30 minutes before being shown a straight red card for a foul on a player.
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Source: Briefly News
