Nation dossier · Group A · Advanced to knockout
South Africa
Republic of South Africa
Latest South Africa 1–0 South Korea · Group A
Title probability
0.0%
as of 2026-06-25
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
60,400,000
Confederation
CAF
FIFA code
RSA
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
- 142caps
Ronwen Williams
Mamelodi Sundowns · Captain and shot-stopping hero
- 163caps
Ricardo Goss
Mamelodi Sundowns · Composed deputy keeper
- 231caps
Sage Stephens
Stellenbosch FC · Promising young option
- 28caps
Nyiko Mobbie
Mamelodi Sundowns · Overlapping right-back threat
- 322caps
Khuliso Mudau
Mamelodi Sundowns · Energetic flank operator
- 424caps
Mothobi Mvala
Mamelodi Sundowns · Versatile central defender
- 535caps
Siyanda Xulu
Sekhukhune United · Experienced aerial commander
- 630caps
Aubrey Modiba
Mamelodi Sundowns · Attacking left-back dynamo
- 1210caps
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Orlando Pirates · Strong physical presence
- 1518caps
Grant Kekana
Mamelodi Sundowns · Calm ball-playing defender
- 176caps
Rushwin Dortley
Cape Town City · Rising centre-back talent
- 720caps
Bongokuhle Hlongwane
Minnesota United · Direct pacey runner
- 840caps
Teboho Mokoena
Mamelodi Sundowns · Box-to-box engine and leader
- 1036caps
Themba Zwane
Mamelodi Sundowns · Creative talisman and schemer
- 1412caps
Sipho Mbule
Kaizer Chiefs · Skilful attacking midfielder
- 1814caps
Sphephelo Sithole
Tondela · Tidy deep-lying playmaker
- 2011caps
Patrick Maswanganyi
Orlando Pirates · Inventive wide creator
- 217caps
Thalente Mbatha
Orlando Pirates · Tenacious midfield destroyer
- 918caps
Lyle Foster
Burnley · Powerful Premier League striker
- 1148caps
Percy Tau
Al Ahly · Star attacker and difference-maker
- 1310caps
Iqraam Rayners
Mamelodi Sundowns · Clinical poacher in form
- 1916caps
Evidence Makgopa
Orlando Pirates · Mobile target forward
- 229caps
Mihlali Mayambela
Aris Limassol · Tricky wide finisher
Model
as of 2026-06-25Exp. points
4.00
Proj. finish
20.2
Seed Elo
1610
Title-probability trajectory
Champion chance across the last 14 snapshots
Matches
History
2022
Did not qualify / 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.