Bafana Bafana are smiling all the way to the bank after making history at FIFA World Cup 2026.
South Africa’s tournament dreams ended after they suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss against Canada in the Round of 32 after conceding the goal in injury time.
However, they have made hundreds of millions at football’s greatest showpiece. This will serve as some consolidation and comfort for the players.
The good news for SAFA is that the team banked substantial money by qualifying for the tournament, playing in the group stages and then making history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in history.
Let’s break down exactly how much they earned at FIFA World Cup 2026.
SA REAPS THE REWARDS FOR QUALIFYING FOR FIFA WORLD CUP
FIFA rewarded South Africa – and the other 47 participating nations – for qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Each nation that qualified for the received $9 million (R150 million) for doing so.
In addition, every country was also awarded $1.5 million to cover preparation costs ahead of the tournament. That works out to approximately R25 million.
“In addition, each qualified team will receive $1.5 million to cover preparation costs. This means that all Participating Member Associations are guaranteed at least $10.5 million each for their participation in the tournament,” FIFA confirmed on their official website.
That means that SAFA, thanks to Bafana Bafana, banked R175 million simply for qualifying for the World Cup and competing in the group stages.
Thereafter, South Africa more than doubled their FIFA World Cup earnings after making it out of the group stage for the first time ever.
ALSO READ: UPDATED FIFA WORLD RANKINGS AFTER BAFANA BAFANA EXIT
BAFANA BAFANA BANK BIG DESPITE HEARTBREAKING LOSS
As reported on The South African, Bafana Bafana earned $11 million (R180 million) for reaching the Round of 32.
Therefore, SAFA banked a total around R355 million on football’s grandest stage.
For context, that is over a third of a billion rand.
So, heartbreak aside, every single one of the Bafana Bafana squad can hold their heads up high, not just for the substantial financial rewards, but more importantly for making the nation proud.
However, not even Bafana Bafana can escape the taxman.
Here’s how much they will be taxed on those winnings by SARS.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BAFANA BAFANA’S FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 CAMPAIGN?
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