[World Cup 2026] Introducing the African teams: South Africa, Bafana Bafana want to grow

After several years away from the world stage, Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup with the clear objective of finally getting past the first round and confirming their progress. The 2026 edition marks a new stage for a team that has long alternated between promise and disappointment on the international stage.

Reinstated to international competitions in the mid-1990s after the period of racial segregation, South Africa quickly made its mark on the continent by winning the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Two years later, Bafana Bafana made their World Cup debut in France at the 1998 edition.

This participation marks the beginning of a series of four World Cup qualifications: 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026. But the first three campaigns all ended with elimination in the group stage, despite some encouraging performances.

In their first World Cup in 1998, the South Africans finished third in their group behind France and Denmark. They managed two draws against Denmark (1-1) and Saudi Arabia (2-2), but lost to France (3-0).

Four years later, in 2002, the South African team achieved its best performance in the group stage. With a victory against Slovenia (1-0), a draw against Paraguay (2-2) and a narrow defeat against Spain (3-2), Bafana Bafana exited the competition on goal difference, level on points with Paraguay.

2010, a historic World Cup on home soil

In 2010, South Africa made history by becoming the first African country to host a World Cup. On home soil, Bafana Bafana started with a draw against Mexico (1-1), before suffering a heavy defeat against Uruguay (0-3).

They finished on a positive note, however, with a prestigious victory against France (2-1). Despite this symbolic success, they became the first host nation in World Cup history to be eliminated in the first round.

Having missed the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, South Africa returns in 2026 with the ambition to take things to the next level. This generation is built on a solid foundation, largely drawn from the domestic league, and particularly from the leading club Mamelodi Sundowns, eight of whose players are in the squad.

Of the 26 players called up, 19 play in the South African league. Without any major international stars, Bafana Bafana are relying primarily on team cohesion and tactical discipline to try and finally advance from the group stage.

More than just a comeback, this qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents a historic opportunity for South Africa. The objective is now clear: to overcome past limitations and establish Bafana Bafana as a permanent fixture among nations capable of competing at the highest global level.

To achieve this, Hugo Broos' men must show a good face this Thursday against Mexico for the opening match of the World Cup.