Sixteen years after the vuvuzelas fell silent, South Africa returns to international football’s biggest stage for their third appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Led by the veteran tactician Hugo Broos, this young, hungry squad qualified top of their group in African qualifying and will play Mexico, South Korea and the UEFA play-off D winner in Group A.
South Africa actually kicks off the whole tournament against Mexico on June 11th, so they will be one of the first teams we all get to watch in the competition. Facing Mexico at the Estadio Azteca is a daunting but historic opportunity for the South African national team to make their comeback on the world stage.
Below, we provide you with all the necessary information, including the schedule and possible routes, so you can follow Bafana Bafana when they head stateside for the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa's World Cup schedule - Group matches (UK time)
Thursday, June 11th: Mexico v South Africa - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - 20:00
Thursday, June 18th: UEFA play-off D v South Africa - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - 17:00
Wednesday, June 25th: South Africa v South Korea - Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe - 05:00
South Africa stadiums, cities and base camp
In the group stages, South Africa will play two matches in Mexico. Their first, against the hosts, will be in Mexico City, with their third match, against South Korea, being in Guadalupe. Because of this, the South African national team will have their base camp at the Universidad del Futbol in Pachuca.
The one game they have set to be in the USA will be their second match against the UEFA play-off D winners, either Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland. This match will be played in Atlanta.
The journey time on average from Pachuca to each city:
- One hour and 30-minute drive to Mexico City
- Three-hour and 25-minute flight from Mexico City to Atlanta (no airport in Pachuca)
- One-hour and 10-minute drive to Guadalupe
South Africa's potential knockout ties
Bafana Bafana have a competitive group where each team will believe they can make it out of. Whilst it will be tricky for South Africa, if they did make it through, they have these potential routes in the knockout round.
If South Africa finish as the group winners:
Wednesday, July 1st: Group A winners v Group C/E/F/H/I third place - 02:00 - Mexico City, Mexico
If South Africa finish as runner-ups:
Sunday, June 28th: Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up - 20:00 - Los Angeles, USA
If South Africa finish as one of the best third-placed teams, they could play either:
Monday, June 29th: Group E winners v Group A/B/C/D/F third place - 21:30 - Foxborough, USA
Wednesday, July 1st: Group G winners v Group A/E/H/I/J third place - 21:00 - Seattle, USA
Where and when to watch
All of the World Cup games will be shown on either ITV or the BBC in the UK.
South Africa’s first match, the World Cup opener, will be shown on ITV. The next two games for Bafana Bafana will be shown on the BBC instead.
Both channels will show the final on July 19th.
FAQs
When is South Africa’s first match at the 2026 World Cup?
It will be against Mexico.
Who is in South Africa's World Cup group?
Already confirmed are Mexico and South Korea. The third team will be the UEFA play-off D winner, so one of Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland.
Is Hugo Broos retiring after the 2026 World Cup?
Hugo Broos announced a few months ago that he will retire from coaching after the 2026 World Cup.
Where can I buy tickets for Mexico v South Africa?
Tickets are sold exclusively through the FIFA website. Tickets are not on sale at the time of writing and go back on sale in April.
How did South Africa qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
South Africa were placed in CAF World Cup Qualifying Group C alongside Nigeria, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho. They finished top of the group by one point over Nigeria with five wins, three draws and two losses.
Will Bafana Bafana play any matches in the USA?
South Africa play one group game in the USA, in Atlanta.