Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years got off to the hardest possible start on 11 June, as they lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A chaotic opening game saw three red cards handed out, and South Africa now face a must-improve performance in their remaining two group fixtures if they are to have any hope of progressing. With Virgin Bet sports betting markets open on Group A, here is everything South African fans need to know heading into the rest of the tournament.
The fixtures and kick-off times
Bafana’s first game, which was a repeat of the 2010 opener on home soil, saw three players dismissed across the 90 minutes, and the disruption made it difficult for Hugo Broos’s side to build any rhythm. The defeat is a setback, but two group games remain at the time of writing, and the expanded 48-team format means there is still a route through.
After drawing 1-1 against Czechia in their second game, a win in their final game could see them advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Everything now rides on their performance against South Korea, as well as how well the rest of Group A perform.
The group and what to expect
Ranked 60th in the world, South Africa are considered underdogs in the group, Mexico and South Korea are widely tipped to take the top two spots, which means Bafana’s best realistic hope is finishing as one of the eight best third-placed sides across the tournament. The expanded format does allow for that, so results in the next two games carry real significance.
A South Africa side that topped its African qualifying group and beat Rwanda in a famous finish last October has not come this far to go out without a fight.
How to watch in South Africa
South Africa’s public service broadcaster SABC will lead World Cup 2026 coverage, meaning all three Bafana group games will be free to air. SuperSport will also carry the tournament for DStv subscribers who want additional coverage and analysis across all 104 matches.
The players to watch
Lyle Foster leads the line for Bafana and arrives at the tournament with Premier League experience behind him, having scored three goals in 21 appearances for Burnley in the 2025-26 season alongside 10 international goals in 24 caps.
Behind him, Orlando Pirates pair Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis bring pace and creativity in the wide areas, with both in strong form heading into the summer.
In goal, captain Ronwen Williams carries the armband and the weight of the nation’s hopes, with the Mamelodi Sundowns keeper ranked ninth best goalkeeper in the world at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards and more than 60 caps to his name.
South Africa open the entire tournament against Mexico on 11 June, which is as big a stage as it gets, and this Bafana Bafana squad has earned the right to be there.