South Africa stumble against Panama in 2026 FIFA World Cup preparation

Bafana Bafana with plenty to do ahead of 2026 World Cup

South Africa is set to return to the World Cup stage for the first time in 16 years this June, but their preparations hit a stumbling block on Tuesday night when they lost to Panama 2-1 at the Cape Town Stadium. 

Our experts expected a tight contest according to our football predictions, and that proved to be the case in the first half, when neither side was able to break the deadlock and head into the changing rooms at the break with the scoreline still at 0-0. 

Los Canaleros came out the brighter of the sides in the second period and took the lead thanks to Jose Cordoba just before the hour mark. However, they only held their advantage for six minutes before Mbekizeli Mbokazi levelled proceedings in the 64th minute. 

Bafana were unable to press on from that point, though, and the visitors took advantage of their lack of attacking intent by netting what turned out to be the winner 13 minutes before the final whistle through Jiovany Ramos.

The result has left many South African fans concerned about their side’s chances heading into the World Cup this June, as Hugo Broos’ side were only able to record a single shot on target and managed an xG of a mere 0.47 across the 90 minutes. 

Broos will now have to tweak his tactics and possibly consider a few personnel changes before his side takes on Mexico in the opening match of the global tournament on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. 

South Africa Group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 

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