The story
The South Africa national football team, affectionately known to their passionate supporters as the Bafana Bafana, enter the FIFA World Cup 2026 with high expectations. Currently ranked number 60 in the world, they bring a unique tactical identity and style from CAF to this expanded 48-team tournament.
An underdog with golden-generation flashes, dreaming of a first knockout appearance.
With the tournament co-hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, South Africa will count on their travelling support to create a vibrant atmosphere. Their primary objective will be to make a statement in Group A and navigate their way to the high-stakes knockout rounds.
What to watch
Keep a close eye on their transition play in Group A. The connection between Lyle Foster and Percy Tau is crucial to their attacking spark.
X-factor
Lyle Foster - the clinical striker who holds the ability to turn a match on its head with a single moment of magic.
South Africa are poised to be one of the most intriguing stories of the group stage, bringing great energy to the tournament.
Their fixtures
Messico 
Sudafrica Messico 2-0 Sudafrica
Messico 2-0 Sudafrica. Girone A. Estadio Azteca, Città del Messico. gio 11 giu.
Cechia Sudafrica Cechia 1-1 Sudafrica
Cechia 1-1 Sudafrica. Girone A. Estadio Akron, Guadalajara. gio 18 giu.
Corea del Sud Sudafrica Corea del Sud 0-1 Sudafrica
Corea del Sud 0-1 Sudafrica. Girone A. Estadio Akron, Guadalajara. lun 22 giu.
Canada Sudafrica Canada 1-0 Sudafrica
Canada 1-0 Sudafrica. Trentaduesimi. BMO Field, Toronto. dom 28 giu.