World Cup 2026: South Africa to play group matches in Mexico and USA

Bafana Bafana’s schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has now been confirmed following the conclusion of the group stage draw.

South Africa will compete in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, Korea Republic and the winner of the European playoff featuring Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Ireland.

Bafana already knew they would take part in the tournament’s opening match on 11 June against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca, a reunion that comes 16 years after the two nations opened the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Their second group match is set for 18 June in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will meet the team that emerges from the European playoff.

For their final fixture of the group phase, South Africa will return to Mexico to face the Korea Republic in Monterrey, a match that will determine their fate in a competitive Group A.