South Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

South Africa (Bafana Bafana) made their World Cup debut in 1998, having been readmitted to international football after the end of apartheid. They appeared at three consecutive tournaments: 1998, 2002, and 2010, when they hosted the event. As hosts in 2010 they made history by becoming the first host nation to exit in the group stage, despite defeating France 2-1 in their final group game. Their 2026 appearance marks a return after a 16-year absence. South Africa has never won the World Cup.

Qualification

South Africa qualified for the 2026 World Cup by topping CAF Group C, which included Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho. They secured their spot in October 2025 with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final matchday, finishing on 18 points despite having had three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player. They edged out Nigeria to claim the automatic qualification place reserved for the group winner.

Preparation

South Africa's 2026 World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 Round of 32 defeat to Canada on 28 June, but Bafana Bafana made history reaching the knockout stage for the first time and were given a hero's welcome home at OR Tambo on 2 July. The squad and country were then plunged into mourning after midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured at the World Cup, was found dead on 11 July in Cape Town; police say no foul play is suspected and an inquest is under way. Separately, coach Hugo Broos said his five-year tenure will end when his contract expires late July, though SAFA disputed reports of an immediate departure and he is discussing a possible advisory role with SAFA president Danny Jordaan.

Latest news

Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

· squad

Jayden Adams, who started two group games and came off the bench vs South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, was found dead on 11 July at a property in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town. Western Cape Police registered an inquest, saying no foul play is suspected. Mamelodi Sundowns said they were 'devastated by the tragic passing'; FIFA's Gianni Infantino and SAFA's Danny Jordaan also paid tribute.

Hugo Broos confirms his Bafana Bafana coaching tenure is ending; SAFA disputes immediate exit

· coach

Broos told Belgian magazine Humo his five-year spell as Bafana coach 'will come to an end' when his contract expires at the end of July, saying he is open to a non-coaching advisory role after discussing it with SAFA president Danny Jordaan. SAFA responded the same day, calling reports that Broos had already left 'completely false' and stating he remains head coach, currently on leave in Belgium.

Bafana Bafana receive hero's welcome home at OR Tambo after historic World Cup run

· general

The squad, including Teboho Mokoena and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and coach Hugo Broos were greeted by Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie and jubilant fans at OR Tambo International Airport on 2 July after South Africa's first-ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance.

Canada 1-0 South Africa: Eustáquio stoppage-time volley eliminates Bafana Bafana in Round of 32

· matches

Stephen Eustáquio volleyed home in the 90+2' at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, giving Canada a 1-0 win that eliminated South Africa. Canada dominated chances (1.32 xG vs 0.13) despite Bafana's 58% possession. Ronwen Williams made crucial saves before the breakthrough. Themba Zwane served the third and final match of his ban. Bafana exit having reached the knockouts for the first time in their history.

Broos confident before Canada: 'We are ready for the Canadians, my team will fight for 90 minutes'

· general

Hugo Broos held a pre-match press conference ahead of the Round of 32 against Canada, saying: 'We are ready for the Canadians. My team will fight for 90 minutes, and longer if necessary.' He reflected on the historic significance of reaching the knockouts: 'It was a hugely emotional moment – getting past the group stage for the first time.'

FIFA dismisses SAFA appeal: Zwane misses Round of 32 vs Canada, eligible again if South Africa advance

· squad

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee dismissed SAFA's appeal against Themba Zwane's three-match ban on 25 June. The Round of 32 against Canada on 28 June is the third and final match of the suspension. SAFA said they were 'disappointed with the outcome' and believe the punishment was 'far harsher than the offense committed'. Zwane will be eligible for the Last 16 if South Africa advance.

South Africa 1-0 South Korea: Maseko's 63rd-minute goal sends Bafana into knockouts for first time

· matches

Thapelo Maseko headed in a cross from sub Tshepang Moremi (63rd min) for a 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey. Bafana finish second in Group A (4 pts), reaching the knockouts for the first time. Mexico topped (9 pts) beating Czechia 3-0. Broos: 'When you can end a career in this way, every coach dreams of it.' Next: Canada, Round of 32, 28 June, Los Angeles.

Williams fires up Bafana for South Korea: 'When things are against the wall, we can pull through'

· general

Captain Ronwen Williams rallied Bafana ahead of the must-win South Korea match (25 June). 'There is genuine brotherhood among players, and that's why when we have our backs to the wall, we can pull through.' He credited mental resilience from the qualifiers and said the experience will benefit the younger players long-term.

Adams backs Mokoena-less Bafana against South Korea: 'You have to man up'

· general

Jayden Adams called on Bafana to cover for suspended Mokoena. 'It is for me and Thalente [Mbatha] to step up and do the job for him because he did it for us against Czechia.' Adams expressed confidence: 'We are confident of progressing to the knockout stage.' He also reflected on missing AFCON and returning stronger after helping Sundowns win the CAF Champions League.

Bafana return to training in Pachuca as decisive South Korea match looms

· general

South Africa returned to their World Cup base in Pachuca and trained at Universidad del Futbol, preparing for their decisive final Group A fixture against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey. The team confirmed: Zwane remains suspended (three matches), Mokoena is suspended for the Korea game (second yellow card), and Sithole is available after completing his one-match ban.

Appollis warns Bafana must start fast against South Korea: 'It is not nice starting the game slow'

· general

Winger Oswin Appollis warned Bafana cannot afford another slow start against South Korea. 'After 15 to 20 minutes, we did get into the game, and it is not nice starting the game slow.' Ronwen Williams echoed the concern, noting it is difficult to recover at this level once behind. Mokoena's absence is described as a massive blow, with Sithole's return providing midfield cover.

Group A: Bafana need win over South Korea on 25 June to reach knockout stage for first time

· matches

Mexico (6 pts) have already qualified. South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia are locked in a three-way battle for the second spot. Bafana must beat South Korea while Mexico must beat Czechia to secure advancement. A win would see South Africa reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history. Williams: 'Even during the qualifiers, when things were not going our way, we kept the faith.'

Czechia 1-1 South Africa: Mokoena penalty earns Bafana Bafana first World Cup point

· matches

South Africa drew 1-1 with Czechia at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Michal Sadílek opened the scoring in the 6th minute from a cut-back. Thapelo Maseko's cross struck a Czech arm in the penalty area and Teboho Mokoena converted the resulting spot-kick in the 82nd minute. Broos said his team 'played a very good game today except for one moment'. Bafana have 1 point from two games.

Mokoena suspended for South Korea after second yellow card vs Czechia

· squad

Teboho Mokoena received a booking against Czechia on 18 June - his second yellow card of the tournament after being cautioned in the Mexico opener - triggering an automatic one-match ban. He will miss South Africa's decisive Group A finale against South Korea on 25 June. Mokoena said: 'I think I play better with a yellow card because I'm very aggressive and I never pull out of a challenge.'

FIFA extends Zwane's suspension to three matches for violent conduct vs Mexico

· squad

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee extended Themba Zwane's ban from one match to three under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, ruling his strike on Roberto Alvarado in the Mexico opener serious foul play. Zwane misses Czechia, South Korea, and any Round of 32 match. His World Cup is effectively over unless Bafana reach the Round of 16.

Broos accepts first red card, disputes second, and calls on Bafana to recover in seven days

· general

Broos accepted Sithole's red card but contested Zwane's, saying the Mexican player fouled first. He was blunt about defensive errors. On recovery: 'There is still seven days, and these guys are professionals. If you cannot recuperate in seven days before another game, that is ridiculous.' Focus now shifts to the Czechia match on 18 June.

Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Bafana reduced to nine men in World Cup opener at Azteca

· matches

South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico at Estadio Azteca. Quiñones scored in the 9th minute after a defensive error and Jiménez headed in a second in the 67th. Sithole was sent off in the 49th for denying a goal-scoring opportunity; Zwane received a red for violent conduct in the 84th after a VAR review. Both are suspended for the Czechia match on 18 June.

Modiba and Mbokazi cleared fit for Bafana Bafana's World Cup opener against Mexico

· injuries

Aubrey Modiba and Mbekezeli Mbokazi were reported fit and cleared to face Mexico on 11 June. Modiba, sidelined since a hamstring injury in the 17 May CAF Champions League final first leg that cost him the Nicaragua and Jamaica friendlies, did light work in Pachuca before returning to full training on 9-10 June. Broos said 'if nothing happens in the next days, Aubrey should be available'.

Broos rallies Bafana Bafana ahead of hostile World Cup opener at the Azteca

· general

Ahead of the 11 June opener against hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca, coach Hugo Broos told players to embrace it: 'it will be a special and fantastic experience', and 'stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands'. He said they play for the nation: 'We are playing for all those people who believe in us'. They planned to travel from Pachuca to Mexico City on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana held to 1-1 draw by Jamaica in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

South Africa drew 1-1 with Jamaica in their final pre-World Cup warm-up, behind closed doors at Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca, on Saturday 6 June after being pushed back from Friday by their visa-delayed arrival in Mexico. Lyle Foster and Jamaica's Dwayne Atkinson traded second-half goals. Coach Hugo Broos called it a disappointing display, saying Bafana must do more before facing Mexico on 11 June.

Bafana Bafana confirm Jamaica as final World Cup warm-up on Friday in Pachuca

· matches

South Africa face Jamaica on Friday 5 June at the Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, their World Cup base, the last tune-up before the 11 June Mexico opener. Coach Hugo Broos welcomed the test against world No. 71, saying the gap since the Nicaragua draw was too long. The Jamaica XI will not be his Mexico one, two of the back four open. Aubrey Modiba is out as a precaution but expected fit for Mexico.

Bafana Bafana settle into Pachuca altitude base and hold first World Cup training

· general

After a visa-delayed journey from Johannesburg with a Cape Verde refuelling stop, Bafana Bafana reached their World Cup base in Pachuca, Mexico, training openly on Wednesday 3 June at Hidalgo Stadium. Broos chose Pachuca (about 2,430m) to acclimatise to altitude before facing Mexico in Mexico City (about 2,240m) on 11 June. He said about 10 days were needed to adapt, a day late not affecting it.

Visa debacle delays Bafana Bafana's departure for the World Cup to Monday

· general

Bafana Bafana's Sunday departure for Mexico was scuppered by North American visa delays. By Sunday evening Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed all players had their visas, with four backroom staff (assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and analyst) awaiting documents. McKenzie called it embarrassing, saying they were made to look like fools. The flight moved to Monday 1 June.

Bafana Bafana held to goalless draw by Nicaragua in World Cup send-off friendly

· matches

South Africa drew 0-0 with Nicaragua in their World Cup send-off friendly at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Coach Hugo Broos rested his Mamelodi Sundowns players, who had only returned home on 26 May after winning the CAF Champions League final. Bafana dominated possession but failed to break down a defensive Nicaragua; Broos said he was happy with the performance despite the result.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Ronwen WilliamsGKMamelodi Sundowns
Ricardo GossGKSiwelele
Sipho ChaineGKOrlando Pirates
Aubrey ModibaDFMamelodi Sundowns
Khuliso MudauDFMamelodi Sundowns
Nkosinathi SibisiDFOrlando Pirates
Mbekezeli MbokaziDFChicago Fire
Ime OkonDFHannover 96
Samukele KabiniDFMolde
Khulumani NdamaneDFMamelodi Sundowns
Thabang MatuludiDFPolokwane City
Bradley CrossDFKaizer Chiefs
Olwethu MakhanyaDFPhiladelphia Union
Themba ZwaneMFMamelodi Sundowns
Teboho MokoenaMFMamelodi Sundowns
Sphephelo SitholeMFTondela
Thalente MbathaMFOrlando Pirates
Jayden AdamsMFMamelodi Sundowns
Lyle FosterFWBurnley
Evidence MakgopaFWOrlando Pirates
Oswin AppollisFWOrlando Pirates
Iqraam RaynersFWMamelodi Sundowns
Relebohile MofokengFWOrlando Pirates
Thapelo MasekoFWAEL Limassol
Tshepang MoremiFWOrlando Pirates
Kamogelo SebelebeleDFOrlando Pirates

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