El Tri Issues Bafana World Cup Warning
Mexico sent a loud message to Bafana Bafana after thumping Serbia 5-1 in a FIFA World Cup warm-up match on Thursday.
With this victory at the Estadio Nemesio Díez, El Tri extended their impressive unbeaten run on home soil to 23 games (W16, D7). It was their final outing before co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While Serbia opened the scoring through Petar Stanic, Mexico’s response was emphatic. Javier Aguirre’s side quickly took control thanks to a strike from Johan Vasquez and an own goal by Stefan Bukinac. In the second half, Fulham striker Raul Jimenez extended the lead to 3-1, before another own goal—this time from Adem Avdic—further widened the gap.
Luis Chavez, who plays for Russian outfit Dynamo Moscow, sealed the 5-1 rout in front of 27,273 fans in Toluca.
The result extends Mexico’s current unbeaten streak to eight games (W6, D2), proving they are in peak form ahead of the tournament. Having wrapped up their warm-up schedule, they look to be in a great place before the World Cup opening match against Bafana Bafana at the Azteca Stadium on 11 June.
In contrast, Bafana Bafana are struggling for momentum, going winless in their last four matches—with the last three against CONCACAF nations—including a lackluster 0-0 draw against Nicaragua.
Unlike Mexico, Bafana Bafana still have one final warm-up match against Jamaica on Friday. However, the fixture will be played behind closed doors with no media or camera crews allowed.
