World Cup 2026: How Bafana Bafana Can Qualify for Round of 32 Despite Going Two Games Without a Win

• Bafana Bafana are still without a win at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing out a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic
• South Africa are not out of the contest in Group A, as there are still different possibilities that could see them qualify for the next round
• Briefly News outlines some of the scenarios that would see Hugo Broos and his boys qualify for the Round of 32 ahead of their last group game

Bafana Bafana continued their winless run at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America as they held the Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw in their second group game on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena found the back of the net from the penalty spot a few minutes before the final whistle to keep Bafana Bafana's hopes of qualifying alive.

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South Africa lost their opening match against Mexico last Thursday, with two players, Themba Zwane and Yaya Sithole, being sent off during the match.

How Bafana can qualify for next round

Bafana Bafana are currently sitting at the bottom of Group A, with one point from two games and a negative goal difference. They are on the same point as the Czech Republic, but the European side occupies third position with a better goal difference.

South Africa would need a win against South Korea in their last match for the possibility of qualifying for the Round of 32.

Bafana Bafana need to finish either second or third, and to do so, they would need Mexico to defeat South Korea, while also doing the same against the Czech Republic in the co-hosts' last match.

If Mexico beat South Korea and Czechia and South Africa win their last match, they would end up in second position on four points, but if they finish on the same points as Czechia, then they would need goals to secure their place in the next round.

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Bafana Bafana need all three points in their last group match to give them the chance of being the first squad to qualify South Africa for the knockout stage.

What to expect in Bafana vs South Korea

Bafana Bafana's last group match would be against South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Yaya Sithole is expected to be back for the match after being sent off against Mexico and missing the game against the Czech Republic. Themba Zwane would miss the game as FIFA extended his suspension, while Teboho Mokoena, who scored Bafana Bafana's only goal at the World Cup, would miss the match due to suspension.

South Africa and South Korea would both be gunning for all three points, but the latter have an edge as they are on three points, and a draw might be enough for them to qualify for the next round, while Bafana Bafana need all three points for them to have a chance of qualifying for the Round of 32

Williams sends a message to South Africans

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What Bafana must do to survive group stage? Broos receives crucial guidance

Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen William has made a huge promise ahead of South Africa's next World Cup group game against the Czech Republic.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also reflected on Bafana Bafana's defeat against Mexico in their opening fixture in the competition.

Source: Briefly News