'Horrific: I couldn't believe what I saw' ex-Manchester United coach gives damning verdict of his country's World Cup start

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 24: General view of Azteca Stadium before the final first leg match between America and Monterrey as part of the Torneo Clausura 2024 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images).

World Cup 2026 is now in full swing, with a number of groups already taking shape.

The tournament kicked off with Mexico hosting South Africa, and there have already been some relative surprises – such as the way Brazil initially looked shellshocked by the attacking intent of Morocco.

And not everyone has got off to the best start, with first-timers Curacao falling to a 7-1 defeat against four-time champions Germany.

Benni McCarthy slams “horrific” South Africa loss

One of those licking their wounds after the first round of fixtures is South Africa, who on the face of it only lost 2-0 at Mexico’s Azteca home.

However, in truth, they probably got away lightly, and that’s including the fact that they were on the receiving end of two straight red cards.

Benni McCarthy was a coach at Manchester United a few years ago (Image credit: Getty Images)

Former South Africa international Benni McCarthy, who was a coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag and turned out for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham as a player, was not impressed.

“They were horrific,” McCarthy told the BBC’s Mark Chapman about that South Africa performance, while working as pundit ahead of Ivory Coast vs Ecuador. “I couldn't believe what I saw. I expected South Africa to come, maybe not beat Mexico, but at least give a good showcase of, ‘these are our strengths’, but we lost our complete identity.”

Bafana Bafana have games against Czech Republic and South Korea to come, but their opening gambit has already spooked McCarthy.

“I think, Czech Republic, when you look at the match against South Korea, they've targeted South Korea because of the height-wise, and they were bombing in balls, left, right, and centre: free kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, long throws.

“And they analysed South Africa and they'll have figured South Africa don't do well in stopping crosses in [either]. So that's another way for them to probably target South Africa in that way, and also switching off and marking the Raul Jimenez goal.”

Three red cards were shown in total in the first match of this World Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)

Probed by Chapman, the South African striker revealed how low the mood is back at home.

“People just couldn't believe that we never really showcased what South African football is about,” he admitted.

“And I don't think we're gonna have the opportunity to do so now, because they'll be calculating not to lose both games, and then maybe we won't come out and play the way we really want to play.”