South Africa returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and underwent a remarkable turnaround under head coach Hugo Bruce. When Belgium took charge in 2021, Bafana Bafana had not qualified for the World Cup in over a decade and Struggled to compete consistently on the continental stage. Five years later, they have reached three consecutive major tournaments, including the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and now the 2026 World Cup.
Why did South Africa almost not qualify for the World Cup?
The qualification was anything but straightforward. It appeared that South Africa were progressing through their group, but due to an administrative error they were awarded three points for F.Saved suspended Teboho Mokoena in win over Lesotho. Due to this setback, their World Cup hopes hung in the balance, but Bruce's team remained patient. Ultimately finishing one point ahead of Nigeria to secure a spot in North America.
Their reward is a tough group that includes co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia. Reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in the country's history will be a huge challenge, but Bruce has restored confidence in the national team. A disciplined, hard-working and dangerous team on the counter-attack was built through players such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Apolis. South Africa are determined to prove they belong on the world's biggest stage.
South Africa's full squad for the 2026 World Cup
goalkeeper
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Sipho Chen (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Ricardo Goss (Sivele FC)
defenders
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City FC)
- Khlumeni Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC)
- Samukello Kabini (Molde FK)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
- Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
- Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
midfielder
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Thelante Mbatha (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Sphefelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
- Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Ahead
- Oswin Apolis (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)
- Ikram Renners (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Sakshi Makgopa (Orlando Pirates FC)
- Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates FC)
head coach
South Africa's World Cup groups and schedule
Group A: MexicoSouth Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Thursday, June 11
3:00 PM ET: Mexico vs. South Africa
Thursday, June 18
12:00 pm ET: Czechia vs. South Africa
Wednesday, June 24
9:00 PM ET: South Africa vs South Korea
View the World Cup roster for all other 47 teams in World Cup 2026
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