4
WC Appearances
including 2026
Group Stage
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#60
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About South Africa
South Africa, famously the only host nation to be eliminated in the group stage at World Cup 2010, return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Bafana Bafana, coached by Belgian Hugo Broos, are an improving side anchored by ageless PSG and Al-Ahly winger Percy Tau. Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and Czech Republic presents a tough but not impossible draw - advancing from the group would match their best tournament finishes. A passionate footballing nation of 60 million, South Africa will be one of the tournament's most popular support acts.
Team Base Camp
🇲🇽 Mexico
Base camp
San Agustín Tlaxiaca, Hidalgo
Bafana Bafana base at Liga MX side Pachuca's club university, a top-tier training campus in the Hidalgo highlands. High altitude prep and Spanish-speaking environment.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), South Africa stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from San Agustín Tlaxiaca to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Percy Tau
Themba Zwane
Ronwen Williams
Evidence Makgopa
Bongani Zungu
Head Coach
Hugo Broos
2026 Group
Group A
South Africa at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Group Stage | |
| 2002 | Group Stage | |
| 1998 | Group Stage |
4 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as South Africa
South Africa World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is South Africa in for the 2026 World Cup?+
South Africa is in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Mexico, South Korea, Czech Republic.
Who is the manager of South Africa at the 2026 World Cup?+
Hugo Broos manages South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is South Africa's FIFA ranking?+
South Africa is ranked #60 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has South Africa played in?+
South Africa has appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is Group Stage.
When does South Africa play in the 2026 World Cup?+
South Africa's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 11 vs Mexico; June 18 vs Czech Republic; June 24 vs South Korea. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are South Africa's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for South Africa include Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, Evidence Makgopa, Bongani Zungu.
Where is South Africa's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
South Africa will be based in San Agustín Tlaxiaca, Hidalgo (Mexico), training at CF Pachuca - Universidad Del Futbol. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.