TV presenter Minnie Dlamini alongside her close friends Lebo “Jojo” Mokoena, Pearl Nxele and Leddi Radebe at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Image: Instagram
South African celebrities showed their unwavering support for Bafana Bafana as the national team kicked off their 2026 Fifa World Cup campaign against Mexico on Thursday.
Whether cheering from the stands at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City or supporting from home, local stars flooded social media with messages of encouragement and displays of national pride dressed in green and gold.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, is being hosted across 16 stadiums in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Bafana Bafana have chosen the city of Pachuca in central Mexico as their home base for the duration of the tournament. Adding to the occasion, global music sensation Tyla performed South Africa’s national anthem during the opening ceremony.
The Grammy-winning singer proudly represented the country in a South African flag-inspired dress.
Among the celebrities who travelled to Mexico for the opening match was television presenter and actress Minnie Dlamini.
She attended the game alongside close friends Lebo “Jojo” Mokoena, Pearl Nxele and Leddi Radebe.
Before heading to the stadium, the group explored Mexico City from above on a hot air balloon ride, taking in panoramic views of the capital.
The friends brought South African energy to the stands, sporting both Bafana Bafana’s home and away kits while joining fellow supporters in singing popular football chants.
Sharing a video on social media, Dlamini and her friends could be heard singing the beloved football anthem "Nono" alongside South African fans.
“One thing we will do is go hard for our country,” Dlamini said in the video.
Thando Thabethe supporting Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup opening match against Mexico in Mexico City.
Image: Instagram
Radio personality Thando Thabethe was also among those supporting Bafana Bafana in Mexico City.
For the occasion, she wore a retro-inspired jersey featuring the colours black, white, green and gold.
Thabethe also embraced local culture by donning a traditional white sombrero.
Although South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, the match held special significance for actor and television presenter Maps Maponyane, who travelled to Mexico to witness the historic occasion.
Reflecting on the experience, Maponyane shared an emotional message on social media.
“I can’t even tell you how I’m feeling right now. Sixteen years ago, one of the most incredible days of my life was the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the best World Cup that’s ever happened.
“I was standing directly behind the goalposts when Simphiwe Tshabalala unleashed that strike against Mexico in the opening game. An iconic goal. Now it’s wild to think that life has brought me here to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico for a rematch of that opening fixture.
“South Africa against Mexico, and the atmosphere feels like Soccer City all over again. No words, just gratitude.”
Back home, several high-profile South Africans also took to social media to show their support for the national team.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus sent a message of encouragement to Bafana Bafana and head coach Hugo Broos.
“Just want to say to Bafana Bafana and Hugo, we’re very proud that you qualified and that you’re there. All the best. We really hope it goes well, and we’re cheering you on from the sidelines.”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, known for his passionate singing of traditional South African chants, also shared a video backing the team.
“Ke Nako!! It’s time. Mzansi, we know what to do. @bafanabafanaofficial, we are behind you.”
Reality television star Nonku Williams, from "The Real Housewives of Durban", also joined the wave of support. She posted photographs alongside her partner, Lindani Rammaledi, with both proudly wearing Bafana Bafana’s green away jersey.
“Mood: 💯 Bafana Bafana, 0% Stress 💚💛⚽️🇿🇦,” she captioned the post.
Despite the disappointing result, the outpouring of support from South African celebrities highlighted the excitement and national pride surrounding Bafana Bafana’s return to the Fifa World Cup stage.