Bafana Bafana are set to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years after securing qualification for the 2026 tournament in North America.
South Africa last appeared on football’s biggest stage as hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This time, Hugo Broos’s men have earned their place through a determined qualifying campaign that saw them emerge ahead of favourites Nigeria in Group C.
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Despite expectations that Nigeria would dominate the group, Bafana Bafana proved resilient throughout the qualifiers. South Africa held Nigeria to draws both home and away and lost only twice during the campaign.
One of those defeats came after FIFA awarded Lesotho a 3-0 victory following South Africa’s original 2-0 win, ruling that midfielder Teboho Mokoena had been ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards.
South Africa To Face Mexico In 2026 World Cup Opener
In a remarkable repeat of history, South Africa will take on Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 11 June at Estadio Azteca.
The fixture comes exactly 16 years after the two nations met in the opening game of the 2010 tournament in Johannesburg. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00.
Bafana Bafana will then travel to the United States to face the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the match set to begin at 18:00. Their Group A campaign will conclude back in Mexico against South Korea at Estadio BBVA, where kick-off is scheduled for 03:00.
Hugo Broos Names Final Bafana Bafana Squad Ahead Of Tournament
Coach Hugo Broos has now confirmed his final squad as preparations intensify for South Africa’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.
The Times Post understands that excitement is continuing to build among local supporters ahead of the tournament, with many eager to see whether Bafana Bafana can progress beyond the group stage for the first time since hosting the competition in 2010.
South Africans will also have an opportunity to give the national team a fitting farewell before their departure. Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 29 May at 18:00 in their final send-off match.
