Teams · Group A

South Africa

Bafana Bafana

South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup but have never advanced past the group stage, including a heartbreaking exit on goal difference as 2010 hosts. A new generation has rebuilt the side around energetic, technical football.

Key facts

Confederation

Africa (CAF)

Group

Group A · power-ranked #4 of 4

World Cup titles

0

Best finish

Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)

Qualified via

CAF qualifying

Power rating (PWR)

66 · Elo 1610

Manager

Hugo Broos

Players to watch

• Ronwen Williams — Captain, goalkeeper
• Lyle Foster — Striker (Burnley)
• Themba Zwane — Playmaker

Group A opponents

• Mexico82
• Korea Republic75
• Czechia74

Group-stage fixtures

• Thu, Jun 11MexicoMexico City, Mexico
• Thu, Jun 18CzechiaAtlanta, USA
• Thu, Jun 25Korea RepublicMonterrey, Mexico

2026 outlook

Drawn into Group A with co-hosts Mexico, Bafana Bafana will look to spring an upset and reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Simulate South Africa’s World Cup

Think South Africa can go all the way — or crash out early? Set their Group A finish in the simulator and watch the bracket re-wire around your call, or build a full prediction all the way to the final.