CAF · Group A
South Africa at FIFA World Cup 2026
South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group A opponents
South Africa plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
South Africa fixtures
South Africa in the tournament
South Africa arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #56 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 60/100. CAF (Africa) sends 9 teams, up from 5 in the previous edition. Morocco reached the semifinals in 2022.
The 48-team format puts South Africa in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, Czechia. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #35, with South Africa the lowest-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
South Africa squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 1, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Hugo Broos
Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they hosted. Belgian coach Hugo Broos (who won AFCON with Cameroon in 2017) leads a squad rooted heavily in domestic giant Mamelodi Sundowns. Captain Ronwen Williams between the posts; Premier League striker Lyle Foster (Burnley) and AFCON-experienced Themba Zwane lead the attack. South Africa open against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Goalkeepers3
- Ronwen WilliamsCaptain(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss(Siwelele)
- Sipho Chaine(Orlando Pirates)
Defenders11
- Aubrey Modiba(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khuliso Mudau(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi(Orlando Pirates)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi(Chicago Fire)
- Ime Okon(Hannover 96)
- Samukele Kabini(Molde)
- Khulumani Ndamane(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thabang Matuludi(Polokwane City)
- Kamogelo Sebelebele(Orlando Pirates)
- Bradley Cross(Kaizer Chiefs)
- Olwethu Makhanya(Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders4
- Teboho Mokoena(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Sphephelo Sithole(Tondela)
- Thalente Mbatha(Orlando Pirates)
- Jayden Adams(Mamelodi Sundowns)
Forwards8
- Themba Zwane(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Lyle Foster(Burnley)
- Evidence Makgopa(Orlando Pirates)
- Oswin Appollis(Orlando Pirates)
- Iqraam Rayners(Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Relebohile Mofokeng(Orlando Pirates)
- Thapelo Maseko(AEL Limassol)
- Tshepang Moremi(Orlando Pirates)
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about South Africa
When does South Africa play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
South Africa plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 11, 2026. The opener is against MEX. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is South Africa in at the World Cup 2026?
South Africa is in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, Czechia. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is South Africa's FIFA ranking?
South Africa entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #56 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the wider qualifier pool. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can South Africa win the World Cup 2026?
South Africa's pre-tournament strength rating is 60/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.