“Remember 2019” — Gayton Explains Why Bafana’s World Cup Hopes Aren’t Dead Yet
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie insists Bafana Bafana can still bounce back from their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat against Mexico, drawing parallels with the Springboks’ historic 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph.
On their way to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019, the Springboks famously lost their opening pool match against New Zealand. However, they rumbled back to defeat England in the Yokohama final, becoming the first nation in history to win the tournament after losing their opening game.
McKenzie believes Bafana Bafana find themselves in a mirrored scenario. Hugo Broos’s side endured a nightmare evening on Thursday, crashing to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in their opening Group A clash at the Estadio Azteca.
While the match marked South Africa’s return to the global showpiece for the first time in 16 years, the nature of the performance left fans frustrated and deflated. To compound their misery, Bafana had two key players sent off—Sphephelo Sithole and veteran playmaker Themba Zwane.
Both will now miss next Thursday’s must-win encounter against Czechia in Atlanta, a fixture South Africa must claim to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Despite joining the chorus of disappointed fans following the limp display, McKenzie remains confident of a turnaround.
“The Springboks lost their first game in 2019 against New Zealand in Japan at the Rugby World Cup, but they went on to win the Cup,” McKenzie noted, urging the nation to maintain faith.
Of course, executing that comeback is easier said than done. Historically, Bafana Bafana have never reached the knockout stages in their previous three World Cup appearances.
However, mathematical salvation remains in their hands due to the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. Under the new rules, the four best-performing third-place finishers across the groups will advance to the historic Round of 32.
Following the Atlanta clash against Czechia, Bafana Bafana will wrap up their Group A campaign against South Korea on 25 June in Monterrey.
