South Africa have four times qualified for the world cup (1998, 2002, 2010 and 2026). In their first three appearances they did not progress beyond round 1, and in 2010 they became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round. In 2026 they reached the knockout stage for the first time.

1998

South Africa didn't make it out of Group C at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

2002

South Africa didn't make it out of Group B at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2010

South Africa didn't make it out of Group A at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

2026

South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their fourth appearance at the finals and first since hosting in 2010. They were drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and Czechia.

After losing their opener to co-hosts Mexico and drawing with Czechia, a 63rd-minute Thapelo Maseko goal earned a 1–0 win over South Korea that lifted Bafana Bafana into second place. The team qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Their run ended in the Round of 32, where Stephen Eustáquio's stoppage-time strike gave Canada a 1–0 win in Los Angeles.

Date Result Opponent
11 June 0–2 Mexico
18 June 1–1 Czechia
24 June 1–0 South Korea
28 June 0–1 Canada (Round of 32)

Trivia

  • South Africa is one of several teams that have been banned from participating at the World Cup. FIFA suspended South Africa in 1961, this ban lasted until 1992.
  • The country's football team is known as Bafana Bafana - "the boys, the boys" in isiZulu - a name that comes from the fans' cry that went up during the squad's triumph at the 1996 African Cup of Nations, hosted in South Africa.
  • Without a great history of participation at the World Cup, South Africa were chosen to host the event in 2010. As automatic qualifiers, they were one of the lowest ranked teams of the 32 qualifiers.