With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming up for Bafana Bafana in June-July, Standard Bank has come on board as a major sponsor.
The announcement confirmed that the partnership with Africa’s largest bank by assets will be associated with the national teams between 2026 and beyond.
It was further revealed that all of SAFA’s teams, from junior boys and girls to Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana, will enjoy Standard Bank as the official partner.
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SAFA CONFIRM STANDARD BANK DEAL
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank have announced a landmark sponsorship that will see Africa’s largest bank by assets become an official partner, supporting Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and grassroots national teams from 2026 and beyond,” the statement said.
SAFA said the announcement comes at a pivotal moment for South African football, as Bafana Bafana prepare to compete on the grandest global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The showpiece is set to take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
At the same time, former Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Sasol Banyana Banyana are gearing up for their participation in this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
“This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs,” says SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
“Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.”
Standard Bank’s Hodnett added that the partnership represents an investment not only in football but in the aspirations of the nation and its people, aligning closely with the bank’s purpose of driving Africa’s growth.
He noted that the supporters who fill stadiums and colour cities in green and gold are also the bank’s clients, drawn from the very communities it serves every day.
BAFANA BAFANA FIXTURES
In the meantime, Hugo Broos’ side have two upcoming international friendlies before kicking off the 2026 World Cup in June.
Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and the DHL Cape Town Stadium have been confirmed as the venues for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming international friendly matches against Panama next month.
The South African senior men’s national team will first welcome the Central American side to Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 27 March, before the two nations meet again in Cape Town for the second encounter on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
WORLD CUP FIXTURES
Bafana Bafana have been drawn into Group A for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will feature in the tournament’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June 2026 at 22:00.
Their campaign continues on 18 June 2026 at 18:00 against a UEFA Playoff Winner at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, before they conclude the group stage against South Korea at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe on 25 June 2026 at 03:00 SAST.
WILL BAFANA BAFANA DELIVER ANY SURPRISES?
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