South Africa will play in the first match of the entire World Cup for the second time in its history and, interestingly enough, against the same opponent.
In 2010, it welcomed Mexico to Johannesburg, but this time, Bafana Bafana will be visitors at the renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. With a co-host and a tough South Korea team in the same group, it could be difficult to make a run this summer.
How they Qualified:
South Africa secured a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing at the top of Group C in CAF qualifying, earning automatic qualification with 18 points, and over traditional powerhouse Nigeria. Its reward for reaching the 2026 tournament? The opener against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 in a reverse rematch of the 2010 tournament which was hosted by South Africa.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
- June 11: South Africa vs. Mexico – Mexico City Stadium (3 p.m. ET)
- June 18: South Africa vs. UEFA Playoff D — Atlanta Stadium (12 p.m. ET)
- June 24: South Africa vs. South Korea — Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico (9 p.m. ET)
Previous World Cup appearances:
What is South Africa’s Best Finish in the World Cup?
- Did not make it out of the group stage in any of three appearances
Who is South Africa’s player to watch?
Lyle Foster brings a strong attacking presence to the Bafana Bafana. He’s fast and can be dangerous in the buildup, but his teammates need to find ways to get him the ball. The 25-year-old striker plays for Burnley in the Premier League, where he has scored three goals this season. Foster netted two goals and had two assists in the Africa Cup of Nations as South Africa made it to the round of 16.
Who is South Africa’s Manager for the World Cup?
Hugo Broos took charge of South Africa after previously leading Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title and managing clubs across Belgium, Algeria and Turkey. Broos guided South Africa through the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, securing the nation’s return to the tournament.
South Africa’s All-Time Leading Scorer:
- Benni McCarthy: 31 goals
- Played for Seven Stars, Cape Town Spurs, Ajax, Celta Vigo, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Orlando Pirates
South Africa’s All-Time Caps leaders
- Aaron Mokoena: 107 caps
- Played for Ajax, Germinal Beerschot, KRC Genk, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, Bidvest Wits
South Africa’s Team Nickname:
About the country:
- Population: approximately 64.7 million
- Capital: Pretoria (administrative/executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
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