South Africa’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a proxy for the debate around illegal immigration in the country, with politicians and prominent figures reacting in contrasting ways to Bafana Bafana’s loss to Mexico on Thursday night.
Support for the team was drawn along ideological lines, with Mexico being adopted by fans hoping South Africans would be served a slice of humble pie.
EFF’s Sinawo Thambo suggested South Africa was ruining its reputation by taking a stance on immigration that endangers foreign nationals. He labelled anti illegal immigration protesters a handful of hateful idiots whose violent acts have drowned out genuine outrage. He said the world view is shifting towards seeing South Africa as a hub of hate, something that has never been part of the country’s identity.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, who famously labelled Bafana a bunch of losers in 2014, sent a message of support after the 2-0 defeat. He said most of the haters are doing so outside the club because they could not get in. He urged the country to stand solid behind the boys, saying one result does not define the journey.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese Zuma dismissed new Mexicans who wished Bafana ill, encouraging foreign nationals to resolve their own domestic issues. She said supporting Mexico still did not fix their country.
Thambo responded that South Africa being regarded as the hate capital of Africa at the World Cup is not a joke and cannot be dismissed as banter. He called it a stain and said the state should take responsibility for allowing hate groups to define the country’s international identity.
South Africa next plays Czechia in Atlanta on 18 June.
