South Africa
Coach: Hugo Broos
Starting XI Prediction
Star Players
All Players →
Fixtures
Group A
Group A
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 |  South Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | South Africa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 |  Czechia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Full Squad Players List
| # | Player | Pos | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||
| 1 | Ronwen WilliamsXI Mamelodi Sundowns | GK | |
| 12 | Ricardo Goss Mamelodi Sundowns | GK | |
| 23 | Sipho Chaine Orlando Pirates | GK | |
| Defenders | |||
| 2 | Khuliso MudauXI Mamelodi Sundowns | RB | |
| 3 | Aubrey ModibaXI Mamelodi Sundowns | LB | |
| 4 | Nkosinathi SibisiXI Orlando Pirates | CB | |
| 5 | Ime OkonXI Hannover 96 | CB | |
| 13 | Khulumani Ndamane Mamelodi Sundowns | CB | |
| 14 | Bradley Cross Kaizer Chiefs | LB | |
| 15 | Samukelo Kabini Molde | CB | |
| 21 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | LB | |
| 22 | Kamgogelo Sebelebele Orlando Pirates | CB | |
| 24 | Thabang Matuludi Polokwane City | RB | |
| 26 | Mbekezeli Mbokazi Chicago Fire | CB | |
| Midfielders | |||
| 6 | Teboho MokoenaXI Mamelodi Sundowns | CDM | |
| 8 | Thalente MbathaXI Orlando Pirates | CM | |
| 10 | Jayden AdamsXI Mamelodi Sundowns | CAM | |
| 16 | Yaya Sithole Tondela | CM | |
| 19 | Themba Zwane Mamelodi Sundowns | CAM | |
| Forwards | |||
| 7 | Oswin AppollisXI Orlando Pirates | RW | |
| 9 | Evidence MakgopaXI Orlando Pirates | ST | |
| 11 | Relebohile MofokengXI Orlando Pirates | LW | |
| 17 | Tshepang Moremi Orlando Pirates | LW | |
| 18 | Iqraam Rayners Mamelodi Sundowns | ST | |
| 20 | Thapelo Maseko AEL Limassol | RW | |
| 25 | Lyle Foster Burnley | ST | |
World Cup History
—
Titles
3
Appearances
8
WC Goals
1
Wins
Best finish: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
Top scorer: Shaun Bartlett (3 goals)
Most capped: Aaron Mokoena (9 matches)
Record: 1W – 3D – 5L
South Africa hold a unique place in World Cup history as the host nation of Africa's first-ever World Cup in 2010. Bafana Bafana were the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage of their own tournament, but the 2010 edition — with its vuvuzelas and Shakira's Waka Waka — transformed the tournament's global identity. They return for 2026 after a 16-year absence.
Tournament Eras
Post-Apartheid Debut — 1998 and 2002
1998–2002South Africa made their World Cup debut in 1998 following the end of their apartheid-era isolation. Bafana Bafana — led by players like Mark Fish and Shaun Bartlett — acquitted themselves respectably but were eliminated in the group stage in both 1998 and 2002.
Hosting Africa's World Cup — 2010
2010South Africa hosted the first World Cup on African soil — a milestone for the entire continent. Despite the historic occasion, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation eliminated in the group stage. The tournament itself was a huge success, marked by the distinctive sound of vuvuzelas and the global phenomenon of Shakira's Waka Waka anthem.
Iconic Moments
Tshabalala's Opening Goal — The Sound of a Continent
Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the scoring in the very first match of the 2010 World Cup with a stunning long-range strike against Mexico. With 90,000 fans at Soccer City and a billion watching worldwide, it was the sound of African football finally on the biggest stage.
1998 Debut — McCarthy's Strike
Benni McCarthy scored twice as South Africa drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia in their World Cup debut — a result that sent the young nation wild with pride. It remains one of the most celebrated goals in South African football history.