Mexico Legends defeated Bafana Bafana Legends 5-2 in a replay of the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup opener on Sunday evening.
Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala were on target for the South African Legends in the second half, but it was not enough to prevent defeat against their Mexican counterparts.
The exhibition match was organised to promote the opening fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana will once again face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The two nations famously met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Tshabalala etched his name into football history when he scored the tournament’s first goal with a stunning strike, before Rafael Márquez equalised with just over 10 minutes remaining.
South Africa came agonisingly close to claiming victory when Katlego Mphela struck the post in the dying moments, forcing the teams to settle for a draw.
While the point proved valuable for Mexico, it ultimately worked against Bafana Bafana. South Africa went on to lose 3-0 to Uruguay before defeating France 2-1.
Despite finishing with four points, their heavy defeat to Uruguay left them with an inferior goal difference, allowing Mexico to advance to the knockout stages.
Sixteen years later, Mexico and Bafana are set to renew their rivalry in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this time on North American soil.
El Tri head into the encounter as favourites, having won six of their last matches, while Bafana Bafana are still searching for their first victory of 2026.
Bafana lose exhibition match to Mexico, what’s next
Bafana play Mexico on 11 June in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The other two teams in Group A are South Korea and Czech Republic.
A result against the Mexicans could give confidence to Hugo Broos‘ men going into the second match against Czech Republic.