MEXICO CITY – South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has voiced disappointment after seeing some African football fans support Mexico instead of Bafana Bafana during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday in a match marked by three red cards and a vibrant atmosphere created by more than 80,000 spectators. Mexico secured victory through goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
Speaking after the match, the veteran goalkeeper said he was saddened by what he viewed as a lack of continental solidarity.
“Historically, Africans have supported fellow African nations at the World Cup,” Williams said. “But in our case, many Africans were supporting Mexico instead of South Africa.”
The South African captain admitted the reaction had left players emotional after a difficult evening in Mexico City.
“We were deeply hurt by it,” Williams said. “As Africans, we should stand together, unite and support each other when we represent the continent on the world stage.”
The comments come after weeks in which Williams had repeatedly called for unity and support ahead of South Africa’s return to the World Cup, urging fans to rally behind the team as it sought to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
Williams, who captains both South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns, remains one of the continent’s most respected goalkeepers and was a central figure in Bafana Bafana’s qualification campaign.
Despite the defeat, South Africa coach Hugo Broos insisted his side still has a chance of advancing from Group A and called on his players to focus on their remaining matches against the Czech Republic and South Korea.
Williams’ remarks have sparked debate across social media, with some supporters agreeing that African nations should unite behind continental representatives at major tournaments, while others argue that football fans have the right to support any team they choose.
