FIFA WC 2026: All to know about South Africa
Sixteen years after their last appearance in the World Cup, South Africa finally finds the most prestigious of international competitions. Carried by an ambitious new generation and the experience of the Belgian coach Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana arrive in North America with the hope to write the most beautiful page of their world history. Between memories of 2010, renewed ambitions and affordable group on paper, an overview of a selection that dreams of crossing the first round for the first time.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Identity card
Nickname: The Bafana Bafana
Federation: South African Football Association (SAFA)
FIFA Ranking (May 2026): 60th in the world (11th in Africa)
Coach: Hugo Broos (74 years old, Belgian)
Iconic captain: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
History in the World Cup: 4th participation after 1998, 2002, 2010
The qualification process: a breathtaking scenario
The African qualifiers have booked their share of suspense. In Group C, South Africa had to fight until the last day to win their ticket. With a record of five wins, three draws and two defeats, the Bafana Bafana finished in first place ahead of Nigeria and Benin.
The qualification scenario will be remembered for a long time. They could have qualified much more easily, but a 3-0 administrative defeat for having played Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, while the latter had to purge a match of suspension for accumulation of yellow cards, revived the whole group. Second before the final day, South Africa did the work in front of their home fans by dominating Rwanda (3-0). Attention then turned to the match between Nigeria and Benin. The victory of the Super Eagles (4-0) reshuffled the cards and allowed the South Africans to finish at the top of the group, synonymous with direct qualification for the World Cup.
An expected return after sixteen years of absence
In 2010, the Bafana Bafana became the first African nation to host a world cup on African soil.
Long absent from the big posters of world football, South Africa has regained its place among the nations that count on the continent. Bafana Bafana will participate in the 2026 World Cup, their fourth final phase after the 1998, 2002, 2010 and now 2026 editions. This qualification puts an end to a desert crossing that began after the World Cup held at home in 2010. For more than a decade, the South African national team alternated sports disillusions and unfinished campaigns. But in recent years, the signals have become positive again.
The third place obtained during the 2023 AFCON confirmed the return to the forefront of a team that had gradually disappeared from the circle of the best African selections.
Hugo Broos, the artisan of renewal
Having arrived at the head of the national team in May 2021, the Belgian technician Hugo Broos has profoundly transformed the South African selection. A former winner of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, Broos quickly began a vast reconstruction project. His goal was clear: to rejuvenate the squad and build a team capable of competing with the best African nations.
Under his leadership, several young players emerged and established themselves as executives. Elements such as Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis or Evidence Makgopa embody this new generation that has allowed South Africa to regain a gaming identity and regained competitiveness. The Belgian coach does not hide his ambitions. After bringing the Bafana Bafana back to the top of African football, he is now aiming for an unprecedented feat: qualifying South Africa for the knockout phase of a World Cup.
«We know where we came from and the sacrifices it took to bring South Africa back into the world after 16 years. We are not going there in North America to play figurative, but to make our people proud and play our football without complex.
says Hugo Broos.
The 26 Bafana Bafana for the American epic
Unveiled on May 27, 2026, the list for South Africa judiciously blends the frameworks of the glorious epic of the AFCON 2023 and the integration of some defensive innovations.
Keepers
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ricardo Goss (Siwelele)
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union – United States)
Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
Ime Okon (Hannover 96 – Germany)
Samukele Kabini (Molde FK – Norway)
Midfielders
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela – Portugal)
Attackers
Lyle Foster (Burnley – England)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Tholly Maseko (AEL Limassol – Cyprus)
Tholly Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Three players to watch
1. Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Iconic captain and the most influential goalkeeper in the modern history of the national team, the goalkeeper finally offers himself an international exhibition worthy of his immense talent. His technical leadership, his calm and his legendary ability to stop penalties will be crucial to frame the group on the world stage.
2. Lyle Foster (Burnley)
Burnley’s striker will be the great offensive artisan expected to carry the attack of the Rainbow Nation. Powerful, fast and very skillful on goal, he embodies the number one threat of the Bafana Bafana and will bring his valuable experience of the high European level.
3. Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Author of remarkable performances in recent years in the midfield, he is the absolute metronome of Hugo Broos. Equipped with an unparalleled game vision, an impressive physical volume and a powerful ball strike at mid-distance, it is able to unlock or stabilize any match. A large part of the team’s performance at the World Cup will depend on his performance.
The probable model team (4-2-3-1)
Williams – Mudau, Makhanya, Okon, Modiba – Mokoena, Mbatha – Appollis, Zwane, Mofokeng – Foster.
The group and the opponents at the 2026 World Cup (Group A)
Placed in Group A, South Africa will inherit its first major challenge against the Mexican host country. On paper, this group appears relatively balanced. Mexico is the favorite thanks to its experience and the advantage of the field. Behind, the Czech Republic, South Korea and South Africa seem to be able to compete for the qualifying places. For the Bafana Bafana, the first match against Mexico could already set the tone of their campaign.
In a World Cup expanded to 48 teams, opportunities are more numerous for the African selections. The Bafana Bafana know that a qualification for the second round is within their reach.
June 11, 2026
Mexico – South Africa
Mexico City Stadium
June 18, 2026
Czech Republic – South Africa
Atlanta Stadium
June 24, 2026
South Africa – South Korea
Monterrey Stadium