Bafana Bafana are set to face Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Korea at FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on 11 June.
The Czech Republic booked their place in the tournament after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Denmark, following a 2-2 draw after extra time on Tuesday evening.
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Historic Return for South Africa
This marks a historic return to the World Cup for South Africa, who last competed in the tournament in 2010 as hosts.
After topping their qualifying group, coach Hugo Broos’ squad will participate in the global event for the first time in 16 years.
Bafana Bafana’s recent form has been inconsistent.
They reached the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and played two international friendlies against Panama in March, recording a 1-1 draw in Durban and a 2-1 defeat in Cape Town.
Broos has highlighted finishing and team cohesion as key areas of focus ahead of the tournament.
Group Stage Challenges
South Africa will kick off their campaign against co-hosts Mexico on Thursday, 11 June. Mexico, ranked 15th in the world, presents a tough opening fixture.
The second match will see Bafana Bafana face the Czech Republic, ranked 41st, providing a realistic opportunity to claim points.
The group stage concludes against South Korea, ranked 25th, known for their disciplined and tactically organised play, which will test South Africa’s defensive and attacking strategies.
South Africa are currently ranked 60th in the FIFA rankings.
Road to the Knockouts
To advance from Group A, South Africa will likely need at least one victory and a draw.
With the World Cup featuring 48 teams for the first time, the top two sides in each group plus the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the Round of 32.
The 2026 tournament will also feature a record 10 African nations.
Bafana Bafana’s Group A Fixtures (SA time)
- Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00
- Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00
- Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00
Other Group A matches:
- Friday, 12 June: South Korea vs Czech Republic – 04:00
- Friday, 19 June: Mexico vs South Korea – 03:00
- Thursday, 25 June: Czech Republic vs Mexico – 03:00
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
South Africa’s return to the World Cup offers a chance to reignite national pride and make a statement on the global stage.
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