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Mexico, the United States and Canada are getting ready to throw football’ s biggest-ever party as a record 48 teams descend on the region for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And for the first time since 2010, South Africa’ s Bafana Bafana are back on the guest list. |
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After failing to get out of the group stage on home soil, despite that unforgettable win over France, South Africa will be out to make an even bigger statement this time around. Fittingly, just like 16 years ago in Soweto, the tournament opener will see South Africa face Mexico … only now the party shifts to Mexican soil.
Group A
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in a tough Group A, which also features Mexico, Korea and Czechia.
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Mexico
World ranking: 15
Nickname: El Tri First World Cup: Uruguay 1930( group stage) Best World Cup: Quarterfinals( 1970 and 1986) World Cup appearances: 18 Overall World Cup record: P60 W17 D15 L28
Korea
World ranking: 25
Nickname: Taegeuk Warriors First World Cup: Switzerland 1954( group stage) Best World Cup: Fourth place( 2002) World Cup appearances: 12 Overall World Cup record: P38 W7 D10 L21
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Czechia
World ranking: 41
Nickname: Nároďák First World Cup: Italy 1934( runners-up) Best World Cup: Runners-up( 1934, 1962) World Cup appearances: 10 Overall World Cup record: P33 W12 D5 L16
South Africa
World ranking: 60
Nickname: Bafana Bafana First World Cup: France 1998( group stage) Best World Cup: 2010( group stage) World Cup appearances: 4 Overall World Cup record: P9 W2 D4 L3
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Photos courtesy of CAF |
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www. modernathlete. co. za |
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