Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup Sendoff at Orlando Stadium

## Bafana Bafana’s Final Send-Off Before FIFA World Cup 2026

The South African national team, Bafana Bafana, will play their final match on home soil before heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they take on Nicaragua in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium later this month. The highly anticipated send-off match is scheduled for Friday, 29 May, with kick-off set for 18:00.

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## Coach’s Last Chance to Assess Squad

The fixture will serve as coach Hugo Broos’s final opportunity to assess his squad before Bafana Bafana depart for Mexico to begin preparations for the global showpiece. The friendly against Nicaragua will be South Africa’s last match before heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

## Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Preparations

The South African Football Association (SAFA) previously confirmed that Bafana Bafana will be based in Pachuca during the tournament. The squad will train at the Universidad del Futbol and stay at the Camino Real Pachuca Hotel, situated just outside the city.

## A Call to Action from Danny Jordaan

SAFA president Danny Jordaan has encouraged supporters to turn out in large numbers to give the national team a proper send-off. “We encourage families and fans to come in their numbers to support the team. The players will appreciate the support before heading to the FIFA World Cup,” Jordaan said.

## Ticket Information

Tickets for the friendly have been priced at R80 for adults and R40 for children under 12. The match is expected to attract strong support as South Africans rally behind Bafana ahead of their return to football’s biggest stage.

## Nicaragua’s FIFA Ranking

A look at the latest FIFA rankings shows that Nicaragua are ranked 131st, while Bafana Bafana occupy 60th position. Nicaragua did not qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.

## Bafana Bafana’s Group A Fixtures

Here are Bafana Bafana’s Group A FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures:
* Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00
* Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00
* Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs Korea Republic, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00