2026 FIFA World Cup Team Profile: South Africa -

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa make a return to the World Cup for the first time since spectacularly hosting the world in 2010. This is a significant milestone for the African side after missing out on the three previous global showpieces, and it adds to their national team history, including winning the African Cup of Nations in 1996 and finishing as runners-up in 1998.

Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has appeared in the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, in 1998, 2002, and as hosts in 2010. In all occasions, they failed to make it past the first round. They are due for a fourth appearance in 2026.

South Africa can be considered a resurgent side that is poised to make a glorious statement on football’s biggest stage.

South Africa’s World Cup 2026 Group stage schedule
Group: Group A- Mexico, Czech Republic, Korea Republic, South Africa.

11 June: Mexico v South Africa – Mexico City Stadium
18 June: Czech Republic v South Africa – Atlanta Stadium
24 June: South Africa v Korea Republic – Estadio Monterrey

Qualification path:
South Africa sealed a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing first in Group C of CAF qualifying with a record of five wins, three draws and two defeats. They earned automatic qualification with 18 points, and over continental heavyweights Nigeria.

The opener against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 is a reverse rematch of the 2010 tournament, which South Africa hosted.

Previous World Cup appearances: 1998, 2002, 2010

Best finish in the World Cup: South Africa failed to advance past the group stage in any of its three appearances.