Steven Pienaar, who captained South Africa at international level, believes Bafana Bafana will beat Mexico 2-0 when they open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The prediction comes despite the team's poor recent form, which includes five matches without a win heading into the tournament.
Pienaar, a former Premier League player, has thrown his weight behind the squad for their Group A clash against the co-hosts. He sees no reason why South Africa cannot pull off a commanding victory in one of world football's biggest stages, even if current results suggest otherwise.
The timing of Pienaar's backing matters. Bafana Bafana supporters have grown increasingly anxious about the team's ability to compete at the World Cup. Five straight games without a win would unsettle any nation's fans, and Mexico, playing at home with the Azteca's roaring crowd behind them, appeared the toughest possible opening fixture.
Yet Pienaar's experience at the highest level of club football gives weight to his words. A player who spent years in the English Premier League knows what it takes to perform when everything is on the line. He is not dismissing his country's chances simply because the form has dipped.
Bafana Bafana's Group A assignment begins on June 11, 2026. How the team responds to that challenge will define their entire tournament. A win, especially a decisive 2-0 victory, would silence critics and set up a strong foundation for matches to follow. A loss would compound the pressure and force the squad to chase results in the group stage itself.
Pienaar's confidence will need to translate into performances on the pitch. The next weeks will see South Africa prepare intensively for Mexico, working to break the winless streak and build momentum before the World Cup begins.
