CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Sloppy defending at set pieces led to South Africa’s 2-1 defeat against Panama in a 2026 World Cup warm-up match on Tuesday.
The loss came after Panama capitalized on a set piece, with Ismael Diaz’s initial shot being parried by goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, allowing Jose Cordoba to score the opening goal. South Africa equalized six minutes later with a stunning goal from 20-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but another set piece error proved costly as Jiovany Ramos scored the winner from close range.
The match took place in front of a 50,000 crowd at Cape Town. Panama, ranked 33rd in the world, face England, Croatia, and Ghana in Group L of the World Cup, while South Africa are in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic or Denmark. Denmark-born Panama coach Thomas Christiansen praised his team’s performance, noting their increased control of the ball and two set piece goals.
South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, who is set to retire after the World Cup, acknowledged the physicality and speed of Panama, which overpowered his team after halftime.
