South Africa at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

South Africa are among the ten African nations representing the continent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana return to football’s biggest stage after a 16-year absence and will be hoping to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time ever.

In this article, we take a closer look at South Africa’s squad, group opponents, fixtures and World Cup history.

Group A Overview

South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia.

The group presents a difficult challenge for Hugo Broos’ side, with every team expected to battle fiercely for qualification to the Round of 32.

Group A Teams

Mexico
South Africa
South Korea
Czechia

South Africa Fixtures at World Cup 2026

South Africa will begin their campaign against hosts Mexico in the tournament opener before facing Czechia and South Korea in their remaining group matches.

Fixtures

Mexico vs South Africa – Thursday, 11 June 2026 – Mexico City Stadium
Czechia vs South Africa – Thursday, 18 June 2026 – Atlanta Stadium
South Africa vs South Korea – Wednesday, 24 June 2026 – Estadio Monterrey

South Africa World Cup History

1998 France: Maiden Campaign

South Africa made their long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut in 1998 after being readmitted to FIFA following the end of apartheid.

Drawn into a difficult group, Bafana Bafana suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts and eventual champions France in their opening match. However, they recovered to secure their first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw against Denmark before concluding the tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia.

2002 Korea/Japan: First World Cup Victory

South Africa returned four years later and recorded their first-ever World Cup win with a 1-0 triumph over Slovenia.

A 2-2 draw against Paraguay and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Spain followed, but Bafana Bafana were heartbreakingly eliminated on goal difference, narrowly missing out on a place in the Round of 16.

2010 South Africa: History on Home Soil

South Africa became the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

The tournament began with a memorable 1-1 draw against Mexico, a match remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning opening goal. Despite failing to progress beyond the group stage, South Africa ended the competition in style with an impressive 2-1 victory over France.

However, they also became the first host nation in World Cup history to be eliminated in the group stage.

2026 North America: Return to the Global Stage

After missing the previous four editions of the tournament, South Africa secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through a successful CAF qualifying campaign.

Bafana Bafana now return to the global stage determined to make history by advancing beyond the group phase for the first time.

South Africa Final 26-Man Squad

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards

Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Lyle Foster (Burnley)
Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)