Bafana began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 loss to tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, a result that left the 1998 and 2002 World Cup veteran reflecting on the difference between the two sides.

While South Africa's squad is largely made up of players based in the Betway Premiership, Mexico fielded a team packed with footballers plying their trade across Europe's leading competitions.

For Fortune, that contrast was visible throughout the contest.

"This is good because this shows us where we are in terms of our level. I love that we get homegrown players. I absolutely, I'm all for that," Fortune said on SportyTV.

"But then you step up against real level, and there's a big difference."

The former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid midfielder stressed that South African players must follow the path taken by previous generations if the national team is to become more competitive on the world stage.

"Our players, like we all did, need to go to Europe," Fortune said.

"We didn't go to Europe because Michael Jackson was there; we went to Europe because we wanted to compete against the best.

"There's a reason Ronaldo went to Europe, Messi went to Europe, all the top players go to Europe. To compete."

Fortune believes the demands of elite European football help players develop qualities that ultimately benefit the national team.

"What happens? We come back and play for the national team, and we're strong," he explained.

"Now, great, we use homegrown players, I'm all for that. Please, don't get me wrong, I'm not having a go, but that shows you the difference."

The 49-year-old pointed to the costly mistakes that contributed to Bafana's defeat, arguing that teams at World Cup level are ruthless when opportunities present themselves.

"These slight mistakes, we probably get away with it back home," Fortune said.

"But yeah, ciao. They take advantage of it. Ciao. Ciao. They don't play about.

"So, it's good, because it wakes us up."

Fortune believes the performance against Mexico should serve as a valuable lesson for South African football rather than a reason for despair.

Looking at the bigger picture, he argued that increasing the number of South Africans playing abroad should become a priority if the country wants to close the gap on the world's leading football nations.

"At the end of the day, this shows us where we are, and the gap we need to close in terms of getting more players playing in Europe," he said.

"Because that, whatever you want to say, helps.

"Look at the Mexican team. Spot the European-based players. It helps; it gives you something."

Despite the disappointing start to the tournament, Fortune remains optimistic about Bafana's chances of progressing from the group stage.

With two matches still to play and qualification for some third-placed teams available, he believes South Africa can still recover from the setback.

"I was hoping, believe me, I was praying, 'Please God, help our boys to do well.' But that's what we had," he said.

"Our boys did well. Learn from that. In third place, you can still qualify. So, we have to remain positive."

Quinton Fortune says Mexico defeat exposed key gap holding Bafana back