Nation dossier · Group A · Out in the Round of 32

South Africa

Republic of South Africa

Group ACAFEliminated · Round of 32

Latest South Africa 0–1 Canada · Round of 32

Knocked out by Canada · Match 73

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Title probability

0.0%

as of 2026-07-20

Overview

Bafana Bafana are back on the big stage after missing out on Qatar 2022, and a strong AFCON 2023 third-place finish has reignited belief. Coach Hugo Broos has built a disciplined, youthful unit anchored by the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns core, blending domestic talent with European-based stars.

South Africa qualified with real authority from a competitive CAF group, and there's genuine optimism that this is the most cohesive Bafana side in a generation. The challenge now is translating continental promise onto football's grandest stage.

Capital

Pretoria

Population

63,100,000

Confederation

CAF

FIFA code

RSA

World

Region

From Wikipedia

Republic of South Africa fields one of the 48 national teams contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Source: Wikipedia →

Squad

Goalkeepers3

1
Ronwen Williams
Mamelodi Sundowns · Captain and first-choice goalkeeper
62caps
16
Sipho Chaine
Orlando Pirates
4caps
22
Ricardo Goss
Siwelele · Composed deputy keeper
5caps

Defenders10

2
Tholo Matuludi
Polokwane City
3caps
3
Khulumani Ndamane
Mamelodi Sundowns
5caps
6
Aubrey Modiba
Mamelodi Sundowns · Versatile attacking full-back
44caps
14
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Chicago Fire FC · Young centre-back
10caps
18
Samukelo Kabini
Molde
6caps
19
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Orlando Pirates · Strong physical presence
20caps
20
Khuliso Mudau
Mamelodi Sundowns · Regular right-back
32caps
21
Ime Okon
Hannover 96
8caps
24
Olwethu Makhanya
Philadelphia Union · Young MLS defender
1caps
26
Bradley Cross
Kaizer Chiefs
1caps

Midfielders7

4
Teboho Mokoena
Mamelodi Sundowns · Key central midfielder
51caps
5
Thalente Mbatha
Orlando Pirates · Tenacious midfield destroyer
15caps
11
Themba Zwane
Mamelodi Sundowns · Veteran creative playmaker
54caps
12
Thapelo Maseko
AEL Limassol
10caps
13
Sphephelo Sithole
Tondela · Tidy deep-lying playmaker
28caps
23
Jayden Adams
Mamelodi Sundowns
5caps
25
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Orlando Pirates
3caps

Forwards6

7
Oswin Appollis
Orlando Pirates · Exciting attacking winger
26caps
8
Tshepang Moremi
Orlando Pirates
10caps
9
Lyle Foster
Burnley · Premier League striker
27caps
10
Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates · Highly rated young winger
13caps
15
Iqraam Rayners
Mamelodi Sundowns · Clinical poacher in form
14caps
17
Evidence Makgopa
Orlando Pirates · Mobile target forward
26caps

Model

as of 2026-07-20

Champion0.0%

Reach final0.0%

Semi-final0.0%

Quarter-final0.0%

Round of 160.0%

Advance from group100.0%

Exp. points

4.00

Proj. finish

24.5

Seed Elo

1610

Title-probability trajectory

Champion chance across the last 14 snapshots

Matches

Results

SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Estadio BBVA, Monterrey

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

History

1998
Group stage
2002
Group stage
2010
Group stage

Culture

Football culture

Matchdays are loud, colourful celebrations powered by song, dance and the unmistakable drone of the vuvuzela. Giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fuel the fierce Soweto Derby, one of Africa's biggest rivalries. The PSL draws huge crowds and serious investment.

Did you know

First African nation to host a FIFA World Cup, in 2010.
The vuvuzela became the global soundtrack of 2010.
Home to three of Africa's biggest football clubs.
Nelson Mandela used sport as a powerful tool for unity.
Bafana Bafana means 'The Boys, The Boys' in Zulu.