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Bafana Bafana to open the 2026 World Cup
Tonight marks a day of great anticipation for the South African football fanbase and the global football fanfare as the 2026 FIFA World cup is set to kick off with Bafana Bafana opening the tournament against Mexico at the Mexico City stadium.
The fixture is a rematch of the opening match of the 2010 world cup that took place in South Africa that saw Simphiwe Tshabalala score the legendary goal against Mexico. It is the first time that South Africa qualifies for the world cup since 2010 where hosting status rendered them automatic qualification.
South Africa has been drawn into group A with Mexico, South Korea and Czech Republic. South Africa is part of the 10 African countries to participate in the world cup in the new 48-match format. Mexico will be looking to capitalize on their home ground advantage but South Africa, an optimistic footballing nation will be looking to thrust their spears forth anyway to potentially edge out their North American nemesis.
Bafana Bafana’s journey:
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has forged a formidable opponent in Bafana Bafana since taking charge and has moulded the squad into a team that prioritizes unity over individual brilliance. The Belgian coach has been under fire a number of times from critics for his player selection but his managerial prowess has proved them wrong as he is now laughing all the way to the biggest tournament in world football.
South Africa qualified after being top of a world cup qualifier group that included Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe and Lesotho to make their way to the tournament after 16 years and 3 world cups missed. Broos led South Africa to an Afcon semi-final in 2024 where they lost 2-1 against Nigeria. The success of local teams Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates has contributed in producing a crop of players that boast significant quality with the bulk of the squad emerging from these two teams.
Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned continental champions after they clinched the CAF Champions League against AS FAR in Morocco last month. Orlando Pirates won the domestic honours the Betway Premiership title, edging out their local rivals Mamelodi Sundowns by a point.
Bafana Bafana full squad:
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders:
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns) Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
Midfielders:
Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Themba Zwane, (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (
Forwards:
Lyle Foster (Burnley), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appolis (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates) , Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
