Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad

The excitement is building as Bafana Bafana gears up for their first World Cup appearance since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010.

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Squad Announcement

FIFA requires that all World Cup squads be finalised between 25 May and 1 June, with official announcements on 2 June. We can expect provisional groups to be out before those dates. South Africa kicks off its campaign against Mexico on 11 June at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca in the tournament’s opening clash. Their other Group A opponents are South Korea and Czechia.

Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup Fixtures

• Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, 21:00 KO
• Thursday, 18 June: Czechia vs South Africa, 18:00 KO
• Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, 03:00 KO

Key Players for Bafana Bafana

Meanwhile, 21-year-old winger-cum-playmaker Rele Mofokeng is expected to play a pivotal role in the Americas for Hugo Broos’ side. There’s been speculation about where he might be playing his club football next season. If he shines in the Americas during the 2026 World Cup, there could be some big-name suitors. Mofokeng has 10 goals and eight assists from 25 league appearances this term. His former clubmate, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, is excelling in the United States MLS, which could be a potential next destination for Mofokeng.