🇿🇦 South Africa at the 2026 World Cup
Bafana Bafana back at a World Cup for the first time since 2010.
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Bafana Bafana Climb Back
South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, the first on African soil, a tournament remembered for vuvuzelas, Shakira, and a nation's pride. In 2026, Bafana Bafana return to the tournament for only the third time, representing a football nation still building toward its potential.
At the 2026 World Cup, South Africa are placed in Group A alongside Mexico, Czechia, Korea Republic. The top 2 teams from every group advance to the Round of 32, and the 8 best third-placed teams also go through. Every match matters from minute one.
With 3 World Cup appearances in their history and a best finish of Group stage, South Africa bring experience to a tournament that is larger and more competitive than ever before.
Group A Draw
All 4 teams in South Africa's group. Top 2 advance automatically, plus the 8 best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
How the 2026 Group Stage Works
South Africa's 2026 Squad
Projected, official call-up to be confirmed
Likely first eleven
in a 4-3-3.
Editorial first XI based on qualifying form, club minutes, and Hugo Broos's recent selection. The official sheet is named one hour before kickoff.
- 1Ronwen WilliamsCAPTAIN
- 2Khuliso Mudau
- 6Mothobi Mvala
- 14Aubrey Modiba
- 3Innocent Maela
- 8Teboho Mokoena
- 11Mduduzi Shabalala
- 10Themba Zwane
- 22Percy Tau
- 9Lyle Foster
- 20Iqraam Rayners
All 24 players
Goalkeepers
3 playersDefenders
8 playersMidfielders
6 playersForwards
7 playersEditorial selection based on current first-team form. The final 26-player squad is at the head coach's discretion and is announced approximately one month before the tournament.
South Africa in CAF
Africa (CAF)
CAF sends 9 African teams, the most ever, following Morocco's 2022 semi-final that changed the conversation about African football forever.
South Africa competed against other CAF nations through a multi-year qualifying campaign to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded format of 48 teams gave more nations a path to the tournament than ever before.
Other CAF teams at 2026
No Ticket? Watch South Africa At a Fan Zone
Every South Africa group match is screened live on the giant screen at the FIFA Fan Fest in the host city. Free entry, no queue, just show up. Every other host city also screens every match, so wherever you are, you can join the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group A Opponents
The teams South Africa face in the group stage
