Bafana Bafana fixtures: Relive those 2010 Ayoba vibes
PREVIEW
11 June: Mexico v South Africa Mexico City Stadium, Mexico
18 June: Czechia v South Africa Atlanta Stadium, USA
The last time Bafana Bafana played at the FIFA World Cup was on home soil in 2010 and it gave us one of the tournament’ s most iconic moments. Siphiwe Tshabalala’ s screamer against Mexico sent Soccer City into absolute chaos and became the goal that launched a nationwide celebration.
24 June: South Africa v Korea Republic Estadio Monterrey, Mexico
The man in charge: Hugo Broos https:// www. fifa. com / en / tournaments / mens / worldcup / articles / siphiwe-tshabalala-goal-south-africa-mexico-2010
Since taking charge as coach in 2021, Hugo Broos has transformed Bafana Bafana from a side that missed out on Africa Cup of Nations qualification into one brimming with confidence and belief. The Belgian tactician has ushered in a fearless new generation, leading South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON and back onto the World Cup stage. But for Broos, the bigger goal is still ahead: guiding South Africa to a first-ever place in the World Cup knockout rounds.
SA stars to look out for
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams remains the heartbeat of Bafana Bafana, with the captain’ s consistency, leadership and BMT making him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Teboho Mokoena continues to be a trusted midfield general for Coach Broos, valued for his work rate, control and ability to dictate the tempo in big games.
Themba Zwane may have battled injuries in recent seasons, but the experienced playmaker still offers creativity and composure whenever he is fit enough to feature.
Oswin Appollis heads into the tournament as one of South Africa’ s most in-form attacking threats after a rapid rise at both club and international level.
Lyle Foster has endured an inconsistent spell, but his pace, movement and proven quality in major tournaments still make him a key figure up front for Bafana.
Bafana Bafana squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukele Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross, Mbekezeli Mbokazi Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams Strikers: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Thapelo Maseko
Other African countries to get behind
Africa has a record 10 teams taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a firstever appearance for the tiny island nation of Cape Verde( population of approximately half a million). Apart from Bafana Bafana, these are the other continental sides you can throw your support behind: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d ' Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia
Favourites for the title
While we’ d love an African team to lift that iconic gold trophy on 19 July, history and the betting odds tell us that the winner will more likely come from South America or Europe. Among the favourites are: defending champions Argentina, who are chasing a fourth title, 2022 runners-up and two-time champions France, 2010 winners Spain, England, who are hunting a second title after a 60-year wait, and the only country to have competed at every World Cup so far and won a record five times, Brazil, who last lifted the trophy in 2002.
Did you know?
The oldest player to score a goal in a World Cup match was Cameroon’ s Roger Milla in 1994 at 42 years, 39 days.
The youngest player to score a goal in a World Cup match was Brazil’ s Pelé in 1958 at 17 years, 239 days old.
Just two players have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final: Kylian Mbappé( France, 2022) and Geoff Hurst( England, 1966).
All the 2026 FIFA World Cup groups
The top two teams from the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed countries will advance into the knockouts, beginning with a round of 32.
The 2026 world champions will be crowned at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA on 19 July.
The Netherlands have reached three finals( 1974, 1978, 2010) but are yet to lift the trophy.
Mexico will become the first country to host the FIFA World Cup three times.
The fastest goal in a FIFA World Cup match was scored by Turkey’ s Hakan Şükür vs Korea in 2002 after just 11 seconds.
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