South Africa as qualified for the knockout portion of a World Cup for the very first time after being eliminated in the group stage on their first three attempts.
Bafana Bafana have qualified for the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup following a difficult start to the tournament.
South Africa became the first African nation to host the prestigious World Cup in 2010, and the opening match of that tournament against Mexico remains one of the most notable openers in recent memory despite ending in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately for Bafana Bafana, the 2026 opening match rematch was not one to remember.
Mexico dominated Hugo Broos' team in a 2-0 victory, during which Bafana Bafana midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both shown direct red cards. South Africa were completely outplayed throughout the match, managing only three shots in the 90 minutes.
After that opening game, South Africa appeared destined for an early exit.
In their second group stage match against Czechia, South Africa conceded an early goal and looked vulnerable. However, the team showed resilience, outplaying Czechia in the second half.
South Africa drew the game in the 86th minute, with midfielder Teboho Mokoena converting a penalty. They held firm to earn their first point of the 2026 tournament.
South Africa faced the Korea Republic in the final group stage match, entering as significant underdogs. Korea's coach, Myung-Bo Hong, appeared to underestimate the opposition, leaving forward Heung-Min Son on the bench.
After a deadlocked first half, Hong made three substitutions in an attempt to change the game, but it was South Africa's Thapelo Maseko who opened the scoring against the run of play. Maseko found the net in the 63rd minute, assisted by Tshepang Moremi.
The Bafana Bafana defence stood firm and did not concede for the remainder of the game. 20-year-old Chicago Fire defender Mbekeli Mbokazi made 12 clearances from center back, while veteran goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made two saves to keep a clean sheet.
With those three points, South Africa climbed from fourth to second in Group A, officially qualifying for the Round of 32. This marks the first time South Africa have finished second in their four World Cup appearances.
Group A Final Standings
W-D-L | Goal Difference | Points | |
Mexico | 3-0-0 | +6 | 9 |
South Africa | 1-1-1 | -1 | 4 |
Korea Republic | 1-0-2 | -1 | 3 |
Czechia | 0-1-2 | -4 | 1 |
South Africa's Round of 32 Opponent
The Bafana Bafana will face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32. Canada finished as the Group B runner-up.
The match will be played on June 28th at the Los Angeles Stadium in California.
South Africa's World Cup Record
Advanced To: | Record (W-D-L) | |
1998 (France) | Group Stage | 0-2-1 |
2002 (Korea/Japan) | Group Stage | 1-1-1 |
2010 (South Africa) *Hosts | Group Stage | 1-1-1 |
2026 (USA/Canada/Mexico) | Round of 32* | 1-1-1 |
*South Africa could still advance past the Round of 32
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