Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about South Africa
South Africa have not appeared at the World Cup since they hosted the 2010 tournament, when they missed out on a last 16 place on goal difference
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Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at South Africa, whose unfamiliar squad is drawn largely from their domestic league.
What can I expect from South Africa?
Bafana Bafana are back for the first time since hosting the World Cup in 2010 and – as then – are playing the opening match of the tournament. Whether they mark that 16-year anniversary with a victory is hard to tell.
Having impressed in World Cup qualifying, they suffered a poor loss to Cameroon in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of this year. Their main problem is an inability to adapt; Cameroon caught them on the break at Afcon and Hugo Broos' side seemingly had no Plan B.
Their 74-year-old Belgian head coach, who is stepping down after this World Cup, has brought belief to the squad and there are several talented youngsters pointing to a bright future. For now though, a World Cup run looks to be beyond them.
What are South Africa's strengths?
Bafana Bafana are high on confidence after a strong qualifying campaign that saw them finish ahead of Nigeria. They have belief, which has often been lacking in the past.
They are also very fit; the midfield in particular has an impressive work rate.
The defence has tightened up too under Hugo Broos.
And what about their weaknesses?
Traditionally South Africa struggle when things turn against them and facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament will test their resolve.
The squad has very few players overseas these days, in contrast to their successful team of the late 90s, and they lack experience in some areas.
How might South Africa line up?
Which players should I look out for?
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, 29, is strong in defence and attack, a hard man with a rocket of a shot. If you give him space from range he's very dangerous. He excelled at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and has grown impressively since.
Goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams, 34, made history at AFCON 2023 when he saved four spot kicks in a penalty shoot-out against Cape Verde. He grew up in one of the poorest areas of South Africa and is a role model to many back home.
Burnley's Lyle Foster, 25, is expected to lead the attack, although head coach Hugo Broos says he needs a confidence boost after a tough season in the Premier League. "We have time to put him where we want him," he said.
Lyle Foster's transfer to Burnley for a reported £6m in 2023 made him the most expensive South African of all time
Who is South Africa's head coach?
Belgian Hugo Broos, 74, played against hosts Mexico at the 1986 World Cup and will retire after doing the same in 2026 as a manager. South Africa's longest-serving head coach has strengthened the side greatly in his five years at the helm.
How did South Africa qualify?
Despite being deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player (the suspended Teboho Mokoena), they won their group ahead of Nigeria.
Where can I watch South Africa?
All of South Africa's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!
Give me a fact to impress my friends
Head coach Hugo Broos will briefly overtake one of his predecessors as South Africa manager, Otto Rehhagel, as the oldest coach in World Cup history.
Rehhagel, from Germany, was 71 years and 317 days in 2010. Broos will hold the record for just seven hours though.
The Czech Republic's Miroslav Koubek, also 74, is seven months older and his team play later on the opening day, while Curacao's Dick Advocaat, 78, will usurp both three days later.
Now give me some proper detail
South Africa have arrived in North America full of confidence after a strong qualifying campaign. It's a welcome return for Bafana Bafana who last appeared at the 2010 World Cup, which they hosted.
Unfortunately, the sound of the vuvuzelas lasted considerably longer than the team, who failed to make it past the group stage.
This squad look a different proposition, with Belgian head coach Hugo Broos, 74, getting the best out of his players. A tough opener against co-hosts Mexico awaits.
Curiously, Broos played against Mexico in the opening match of the 1986 World Cup, although Belgium lost 2-1. Forty years later, history is repeating itself.
"You can't plan something like that," he said. "It's beautiful." A win in Mexico City – as big a task as it is – would put them in touching distance of the knockout rounds for the first time.
South Africa are compact defensively, quick in transition, and can be a match for most teams but there is always the potential for things to unravel.
Their inspirational captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams probably illustrated that best when he became the first netminder to save four penalties in an African Cup of Nations shootout, and then became the first player to fall foul of the new 'eight-second' goalkeeping rule at last year's Club World Cup.
From one extreme to the other. South Africa just hope that this long overdue World Cup appearance will be a positive one.
How have South Africa done at previous World Cups?
Despite not making it out of the group stage in any of their three previous World Cups, Bafana Bafana have only lost three of their nine matches, and none on their debut in 1998. They famously beat France in 2010.
