Mexico and Czechia strengthened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with emphatic victories, while South Africa continue to search for form ahead of the tournament.
With fewer than five days remaining before the competition begins in the United States, Canada and Mexico, two of Bafana Bafana’s Group A opponents delivered impressive performances in their latest warm-up fixtures.
Mexico extended their strong run of results with a commanding 5-1 victory over Serbia on Thursday, maintaining momentum as the tournament approaches. The result stretched El Tri’s unbeaten sequence to seven matches, a run that includes five victories and two draws.
The win also marked Mexico’s third consecutive triumph. They had previously recorded victories over Ghana and Australia, beating the Black Stars 2-0 before edging the Socceroos 1-0 thanks to a goal from Johan Vásquez.
Against Serbia, Mexico recovered after falling behind in the 19th minute. Petar Stanic capitalised on a defensive error to give the Europeans an early advantage.
Mexico responded strongly and drew level through the in-form Vásquez in the 34th minute. They then moved ahead before the break when Stefan Bukinac turned the ball into his own net.
Raul Jimenez added a third shortly after the interval. The Fulham striker saw his effort strike the post before the rebound deflected off him and crossed the line.
Mexico’s dominance continued as another own goal increased their advantage. Adem Avdic inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, giving El Tri a comfortable cushion.
Luis Chavez completed the scoring shortly before full-time as Mexico secured a comprehensive 5-1 win.
Czechia also enjoyed a successful outing, defeating Guatemala 3-1 in another encouraging display before the World Cup.
Patrik Schick, Tomáš Chorý and Denis Visinsky were all on target for the Czechs, who controlled the contest. Guatemala’s only goal came through William Fajardo, but it proved to be little more than a consolation effort.
While Mexico and Czechia head into the tournament in positive spirits, South Africa’s preparations have been less convincing.
Bafana Bafana are without a victory in their last four matches. Their most recent win came at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they defeated Zimbabwe 3-2.
Since then, South Africa were eliminated from the continental tournament following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16.
Recent results have done little to ease concerns. South Africa drew 1-1 with Panama before suffering a 2-1 loss against the same opponents.
Their latest match ended in another stalemate, with Bafana held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua last Friday.
The South Africans have since travelled to Mexico, where they are expected to play one final friendly against Jamaica before beginning their World Cup campaign.
As the countdown to the global showpiece enters its final days, Mexico and Czechia appear to be gathering momentum at exactly the right time, while South Africa will hope to find winning form before Group A action gets under way.
