#59
FIFA Ranking
3
WC Appearances
Group Stage
Best Finish
2010
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
South Africa secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Africa qualification pathway. As a CAF representative, they were among 9 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #59 in the FIFA World Rankings, South Africa enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 3 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group A Analysis
South Africa has been drawn in Group A and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group A Opponents
Mexico
FIFA Ranking: #15 • Strong opponent
South Korea
FIFA Ranking: #23 • Strong opponent
UEFA Playoff D
Unranked • Unknown opponent
Group A Fixtures for South Africa
Match 1
Jun 11, 2026
Mexico
vs.
South Africa
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Match 20
Jun 18, 2026
UEFA Playoff D
vs.
South Africa
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Match 44
Jun 24, 2026
South Africa
vs.
South Korea
Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can South Africa Win the World Cup?
South Africa faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For South Africa, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
South Africa has appeared in 3 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Group Stage, representing their peak performance at the World Cup to date.
They last competed in the 2010 World Cup. Their return to the World Cup stage in 2026 marks a significant moment for the nation.
Having competed in several World Cups, South Africa has developed a tournament pedigree that will serve them well in 2026.
Predict South Africa's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does South Africa play at World Cup 2026?▾
South Africa will play their first group stage match on June 11, 2026 against Mexico. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group A with South Africa?▾
South Africa has been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and UEFA Playoff D. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is South Africa's best World Cup finish?▾
South Africa's best World Cup finish is Group Stage. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can South Africa win the World Cup 2026?▾
While South Africa faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.