Sunday Oliseh Reveals Why South Africa Fell To Mexico In World Cup Opener

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has blamed pressure rather than tactics for South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Naija News reports that Bafana Bafana were beaten by the co-hosts at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday night, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez securing victory for the hosts. South Africa’s task became even harder after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both shown straight red cards.

Speaking on his podcast after the match, Oliseh said the occasion appeared to overwhelm the South Africans.

“Finally, the World Cup is here,” Oliseh said.

“80,000 fans at the Azteca, a beautiful opening ceremony and we all expected a romantic replay of the 2010 in South Africa.

“But what we actually just witnessed was absolute psychological warfare.

“Mexico won 2-0 but this wasn’t about tactics. It was about pure pressure. South Africa didn’t lose because they are a poor side. Believe me. They lost because the stage seems to be simply too big for them.”

Meanwhile, South Africa defender Ime Okon has urged his team-mates to put the setback behind them and focus on their next assignment.

The defender admitted the result was disappointing but insisted there were positives to take from the performance against Mexico.

“It was a tough game, we had them at times. We just look forward, we’re positive. We know it’s a loss but we’re looking to the next game now,” Okon told SportyTV after the match.

Coach Hugo Broos and his players will now turn their attention to a crucial second group match against Czech Republic at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday, June 18.