Oliseh Blames Pressure for South Africa's World Cup Loss

Sunday Oliseh, former captain of the Super Eagles, attributed South Africa's disappointing start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the immense pressure from 80,000 Mexican fans during their opening match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. South Africa lost 2-0, with Oliseh arguing that the team was far better than the scoreline suggested but succumbed to psychological warfare from the host nation.

He noted that the match was marked by disciplinary chaos, as South Africa became the second team in World Cup history to have two players sent off in an opening match, a record previously set by Cameroon in 1990. The defeat left South Africa at the bottom of their group, complicating their path forward in the tournament, especially with their next match against Czechia in Atlanta without the suspended players.

Meanwhile, Mexico secured three points and prepared to face South Korea.