Bafana Bafana have made history – and a lot of money – as a result of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 stage.
South Africa qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history after they defeated South Korea 1-0 to finish second in Pool A.
Let’s take a look at the huge financial reward for SAFA following this remarkable accomplishment on football’s grandest stage.
HOW MUCH BAFANA BAFANA BANKED
According to FIFA’s prize-money payout breakdown, Bafana Bafana will take home a minimum of $11 million.
That equates to over R182 million.
South Africa bounced back after losing the opening match of the tournament 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico.
Thereafter, they kept their campaign a live with a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic thanks to a late penalty from Mamelodi Sundowns star Tebeho Mokoena.
Then, needing a win in their last match, Thapelo Maseko stepped up and scored the winner to inspire Bafana Bafana to a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
As a result, Bafana Bafana have made history, big-money – and millions of South Africans very proud.
ALSO READ: FIFA WORLD RANKINGS: BAFANA SOAR SIX PLACES AFTER HISTORIC WORLD CUP WIN
MORE HISTORY, MORE MONEY AND TIME FOR HUGO BROOS
However, this is a ‘worst-case’ scenario.
Coach Hugo Broos’ men stand to earn even larger bonuses if they are able to beat co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
FIFA will pay out $15 million (almost R250 million) to those teams who reach the Round of 16.
Bafana Bafana have arguably a dream draw given the fact that they are facing the 31st-ranked nation – and one they have never lost to previously.
Furthermore, the match will be played in the United States – meaning it’s not even a home game for one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
Bafana Bafana will thus fancy their chances of beating Canada and making more money and more history.
There is also the added incentive of Broos’ record run in charge as he is set to leave at the end of the tournament. Another victory will give the veteran Belgian coach one more match at the helm.
South Africa will face Canada on Sunday, 28 June at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California at 21:00 (SA time).
DO YOU THINK BAFANA BAFANA WILL BEAT CANADA AND QUALIFY FOR THE ROUND OF 16?
Give us your thoughts and score predictions below …
