2026 FIFA World Cup: Bafana Bafana in Group A – Fixtures, Venues, Tickets, Predictions & All You Need to Know

South Africa are set to play their fourth FIFA World Cup in 2026 which will be their first since 2010.

Their debut was in 1998 in France before qualifying for the 2002 edition held jointly by Korea and Japan. Bafana Bafana then hosted the historic 2010 edition, which was the first time the tournament was played on the continent.

Hugo Broos recently managed to beat stiff competition from Nigeria, Benin as well as Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho to top Group C which ensured their automatic ticket for the global competition.

Overview: Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The stage is set. Who triumphs? 🏆@aramco | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/21qBVC6KlE

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2025

A draw was conducted on Friday, December 5, to determine the groups and the teams making them.

Bafana Bafana were placed with co-host Mexico in Group A in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup played in Mzansi that ended 1-1. They were also paired with the winner of the European Play Offs winner as well as the Republic of Korea.

It will be interesting to see how South Africa will square it out with Mexico in this fifth meeting since 1993. Bafana Bafana have lost twice, won once and drawn once in the initial encounters.

However, it will be the first time South Africa and South Korea will be facing each other across all competitions.

Full Group A Fixtures, Venues & Kick-off Times

South Africa

Hugo Broos’ men will start their journey on June 11 against the hosts at the Estadio Azteca Stadium in Mexico City at 21:00 SAT.

The second fixture will be on June 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta from 20.00 hours where they will be facing a European Playoffs Winner (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia).

South Africa’s final Group A game will be staged at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe against the Korea Republic on June 24 at 04.00 SAT.

Mexico

After their opener with South Africa, Mexico will then play South Korea on June 18 at Akron Stadium in Zapopan at 02.00 SAT.

The hosts’ final Group A fixture will be against Playoffs Winner (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia) on June 24 from 02.00 SAT as well.

South Korea

fixture will be against Playoffs Winner (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia) will be on June 11 at Akron Stadium with the kick-off scheduled for 03.00 SAT.

How to Get Tickets for Group A Matches

South Africa matches will be played in Mexico City, Atalanta in the the State of Georgia, and BBVA Stadium located in Guadalupe, Northern Mexico.

For the matches in Mexico, fans can get their tickets here.

Those who want tickets for matches in the United States can secure theirs here.

While those who want to try Canada can purchase their tickets here.

Ticket Prices

There are four categories of tickets: in the Group Stage, Category 4 tickets will cost between $140 and $265 which is approximately between R2,305 and R4,365.

Category 3 will cost between $180 and $349 while Category 2 will be ranging between $335 and $500. The highest will be Category 1 which will be between $409 and $765.

In the Round of 32 Category 4 will be $190, followed by Category 3 which is between $218 and $274. Those fans wishing to sit in Category 2 will part with $335 to 447 while the supporters in Category 1 will pay between $558 and $733.

This year means more. 🏆 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NDBmVFe94T

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 1, 2026

What fans will pay from Round of 16 to Final

Round of 16: Category 1: $733-980 Category 2: $447-$590 Category 3: $274-$391 Category 4: $220

Quarter-Finals: Category 1: $1,265 – $1,775 Category 2: $819 – $1,639 Category 3: $601 – $894 Category 4: $535

Semi-Finals: Category 1: $3,040 – $3,295 Category 2: $1,639 – $1,807 Category 3: $677 – $894 Category 4: $905

Final: Category 1: $8,680 Category 2: $3,137 Category 3: $2,079 Category 1: $4,185

Stars to watch in Group A

South Africa

Well, just a few have heard of 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi who made his debut in the top-tier football just in March 2023 at Orlando Pirates. He has since risen to represent Bafana Bafana and his talent saw Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire come for his services.

It will be interesting to see how the young centre-back will play against top world-class players especially after an impressive display in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

South Korea

Well, you already got it! Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min who is currently turning out for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC will be the main attraction.

This is a player who has played in all top competitions in Europe, win the UEFA Europa League, played in the UEFA Champions League final among others. Imagine him leading South Korea to glory.

Mexico

The hosts have some good talent like youngster Santiago Gimenez, Hirving Lozano, Julian Quinones and veteran custodian Guillermo Ochoa who can help the hosts make the next phase of the competition.

However, it will be interesting to see what Raul Jimenez has to offer the home supporters. A well travelled Fulham striker has won trophies in Mexico’s top tier, Spain and Portugal. A vital piece in the country’s football.

Group A Predictions: Who Will Advance to the Knockouts?

As seen in the previous two World Cups, South Africa have at least managed to get four points.

Past games indicate spoils might be shared between the hosts and Bafana Bafana, but a win against any of the other two teams might be enough to see the nation make the knockout phase for the first time in their history.

The hosts might sneak out of the group alongside South Africa and most probably the team that will win the play-offs. South Korea might finish last.