🇿🇦 South Africa
Group A
- Coach
- Hugo Broos
- World Cup appearances
- 3
- Best result
- Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
- FIFA ranking
- #56
South Africa returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years after a memorable 2010 campaign on home soil. The team has rebuilt through a disciplined defensive structure and counter-attacking flair, key to recent African Cup successes. With a mix of experienced overseas-based players and dynamic local talent, they aim to progress beyond the group stage in 2026.
Matches
News
World Cup 2026 Opens: Shakira, Stars and Fan Fervour at Mexico's Azteca
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca with a star-studded ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy, and Andrea Bocelli. Mexico faced South Africa in the first match of the first tri-nation tournament, co-hosted by the US and Canada.
Japan Captain Wataru Endo Retires From International Football, Out of 2026 World Cup
Japan captain Wataru Endo retires from international football due to foot injury, dealing a major blow to World Cup campaign. Kaoru Mitoma also out. Team faces leadership void and midfield reshuffle.
World Cup 2026 Groups: Full 48-Team Draw and Expanded Format Unveiled
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. Groups are set, with a new format: 12 groups of 4, top two advance, plus eight best third-placed teams.
Maseko Fires South Africa Into Historic First World Cup Knockouts
Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike gave South Africa a 1-0 win over South Korea, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. They will face Canada in the Round of 32. Son Heung-min started on the bench for Korea.
South Africa vs South Korea World Cup 2026 Live: Group A Battle After Contrasting Openers
South Africa faces South Korea in a crucial World Cup 2026 Group A match. After contrasting openers, Bafana Bafana must win to stay alive, while the Taegeuk Warriors aim to seize control. Live updates from The Guardian.
Czechia v Mexico: World Cup 2026 Group A Showdown – Live Analysis
Czechia faces Mexico in a must-win Group A match. The hosts have secured top spot, while Czechia needs a win and help from South Africa to advance. Live updates from The Guardian.
World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Bublé & Morissette Headline as Empty Seats Hit Mexico
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with three host-nation opening ceremonies. Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline the Canadian leg in Toronto ahead of a key match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while early empty seats in Guadalajara raise pricing concerns.
Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Three Red Cards in World Cup 2026 Opener
Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, but the match was overshadowed by three red cards—a record for an opening game. Goals from Quiñones and Jiménez secured the win, but dismissals for Sithole, Zwane, and Montes raise disciplinary concerns.
Three Red Cards in World Cup 2026 Opener as Mexico Beat South Africa
In a historic and chaotic 2026 World Cup opener, referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio showed three red cards—a record for an opening match—as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. The dismissals overshadowed Mexico's first-ever opening win, leaving both teams with suspensions and questions about discipline.
Mexico Top Nine-Man South Africa in World Cup Opener with Three Red Cards
Mexico defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup opener, with Raúl Jiménez scoring his first World Cup goal. The match saw three red cards, the most in any opening game, and was marred by severe organizational problems outside Estadio Azteca.