Excitement is building as Bafana Bafana prepares for their first World Cup since South Africa hosted the showpiece in 2010.
Bafana will soon announce their World Cup squad
FIFA requires that all World Cup squads be finalised between 25 May and 1 June. All of those will then be officially announced on 2 June. We can, therefore, 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’s 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Thu, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa, 21:00 KO
- Thu, 18 June: Czechia vs South Africa, 18:00 KO
- Thu, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea, 03:00 KO
Mofokeng and Mbokazi will be integral to Bafana’s chances
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 not a day that goes by that publications aren’t speculating as to 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. Would now be a good time to sell to a wealthy suitor in Europe? His former clubmate, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, is excelling in the United States MLS, which could be a potential next destination for Mofokeng.
