FIFA World Cup 2026
Bafana Bafana Set for Fourth FIFA World Cup Appearance in 2026
South Africa will mark their return to the FIFA World Cup on 11 June when they face Mexico in the tournament’s opening match – a repeat of the memorable 2010 FIFA World Cup opener when South Africa hosted the global showpiece.
That encounter ended 1-1, courtesy of iconic goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Rafa Márquez.
The 2026 tournament will mark Bafana Bafana’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance since their debut in 1998.
France 1998: South Africa’s World Cup Debut
South Africa made their FIFA World Cup debut at France 1998, where they were drawn in Group C alongside hosts France, Saudi Arabia, and Denmark.
Bafana Bafana lost their opening match 3-0 against eventual champions France before securing their first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw against Denmark. Benni McCarthy scored South Africa’s historic first World Cup goal in that encounter.
In their final group match, Shaun Bartlett scored a brace against Saudi Arabia as South Africa earned a 2-2 draw. Bartlett became the first South African player to score twice in a single World Cup match. However, Bafana exited the tournament with two points.
Korea/Japan 2002: A Historic First Win
At the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, South Africa were placed in Group B alongside Spain, Slovenia, and Paraguay.
Bafana had to fight back from 2-0 down in their opening match against Paraguay to earn a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Teboho Mokoena and a late penalty by Quinton Fortune.
South Africa then secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a win over Slovenia, while also keeping their first clean sheet in the competition.
However, heartbreak followed in the final group game against Spain. South Africa only needed a draw to qualify for the knockout stages, but a 3-2 defeat saw them narrowly eliminated. Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe were on target for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa 2010: Hosts Fall Short on Goal Difference
Heading into the 2010 FIFA World Cup as hosts, South Africa’s overall World Cup record stood at six matches played, with one win, three draws, and two defeats.
Bafana opened the tournament with a memorable 1-1 draw against Mexico before suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Uruguay.
In their final group match, South Africa stunned France with a famous 2-1 victory. Despite finishing level on points with Mexico, Bafana Bafana were eliminated on goal difference, becoming the first host nation in FIFA World Cup history to fail to progress beyond the group stage.
Looking Ahead to 2026
South Africa will compete in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea.
There is renewed excitement around Bafana Bafana’s return to football’s biggest stage, with fans eager to see how Hugo Broos’ side will perform against strong international opposition.
Broos is expected to announce his squad for the tournament on 27 May.
Players Likely to Be Called Up
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams
- Sipho Chaine
- Brandon Petersen
Defenders
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Aubrey Modiba
- Khuliso Mudau
- Ime Okon
- Samkelo Kabini
- Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Thabang Matuludi
- Vuyo Letlapa
- Khumani Ndamane
Midfielders & Forwards
- Teboho Mokoena
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Jayden Adams
- Evidence Makgopa
- Mohau Nkota
- Thapelo Maseko
- Oswin Appollis
- Thalente Mbatha
- Patrick Maswanganyi
- Tshepang Moremi
- Thembinkosi Lorch
- Lyle Foster
