Bafana Bafana FIFA 2026 World Cup Group Confirmed, Brings Back Memories of 2010 Edition
- South Africa and other countries that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been placed in different groups ahead of the competition next year
- Bafana Bafana were handed a tricky draw that brought back memories of the 2010 edition of the competition, when the country hosted the tournament
- The World Cup draw sparked different opinions from South Africans on social media, especially the group Bafana Bafana found themselves
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Bafana Bafana now know their opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the group-stage draw on Friday, December 5, 2025, revealed their path.
Source: Getty Images
Placed in Pot 3, South Africa’s national team were grouped with nations such as Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, which ensured that they could not be drawn to face any of those sides.
The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams for the first time, signalling a fresh chapter in the evolution of global football.
Bafana have gone 25 matches without losing on the field. However, the streak is no longer officially recognised after FIFA overturned their 2–0 victory against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 loss instead because suspended Teboho Mokoena was fielded. Still, Broos and his squad can draw motivation from the fact that their most recent loss dates back to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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South Africa World Cup group confirmed
South Africa will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against one of the co-hosts, Mexico, in the tournament’s opening fixture next year, as they have both been placed in Group A. Korea Republic has also been placed in the same group, with the final team yet to be confirmed.
Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Ireland will battle it out in the UEFA playoffs to decide the final team in Bafana’s World Cup group.
Source: Getty Images
The clash will mirror the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, as Mexico is once again set to meet Hugo Broos’ side on June 11, 2026, the opening game of the tournament.
Here is what fans are saying on social media about South Africa's placement during the 2026 World Cup draw in the US.
Loyiso Mankomo said:
"The World Cup group SA looks like a manageable group, but it is very tricky. Our troops must not undermine any team there. Looking forward to all three games. Mex-SA another World Cup fixture. So will SA-Den( fav to win the play-off for me) another World Cup fixture if Den progresses. SA-Kor, what a fixture, those Koreans can run tough on their opponents. Rio Ferdinand was so good at managing this tricky draw."
Thando Makaula wrote:
"The fact that we haven't played any team outside the continent in a long time is not gonna help🙆🏾♂️. In the last 10 years, I don't think we've played more than 5 times against teams from other continents. Andorra 2024, France 2022, Paraguay 2018. I think those are the only overseas opponents we have had in the last 10 years. The likes of Senegal, Ivory Coast, etc, are always securing friendlies against teams such as England and Brazil."
Atlegang reacted:
"We can top group A."
Tshepo Thato Mokoena shared:
"Mexico ranks no 15, Korea ranks no 21, South Africa ranks no 61; it is going to be tough."
Drew Drippy added:
"11 June 2010. Game 1. South Africa vs Mexico. 16 years later, on the same day. 11 June 2026. Game 1. Mexico vs South Africa. It couldn't be written any better. 🔥"
Broos names Bafana Bafana's AFCON squad
Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos has named his 25-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host.
The Belgian tactician left out some of the top players expected to make the squad, with two youngsters making the list.
Source: Briefly News
