Formation not to blame for Mexico defeat: Williams

Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams, says coach Hugo Broos’ decision to change formation for the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico should not be blamed for their loss.

Bafana were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday night.

Broos opted to go with three centre-backs on the day while using Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba as wing-backs.

Williams said the team prepared for multiple tactical scenarios.

“Obviously, when we analysed them as well. Most of the games they have played, they have played with a back-five as well as a 3-5-2,” Williams told SABC Sport.

“So, we wanted to go with a similar approach but have an extra number in midfield. But obviously they changed that’s how football is, they came with a back-four and that’s what we had to put out in the game,” he said.

“We had to go man-to-man and at this level you need to learn and pick it up as quickly as possible and see, it’s tough lessons today.

“But I don’t think it’s anything to do with the formation we played. We analysed studied them and we had a good game-plan, obviously it was an error from us in the first half and that gave them the opportunity to go on the front-foot.”

South Africa will be back in action on 18 June against Czech Republic, before concluding the group stage campaign against South Korea on 25 June.

Group A standings update. 📊 Here is the official log after the opening round of matches. Work to be done as we look ahead to Matchday 2. 🇿🇦⚽ #BafanaPride#BafanaBafana #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/XchjlQDGg3

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 12, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari