2026 FIFA World Cup: Bafana Bafana in Round of 32 – Fixture, Venue, Tickets, Predictions & All You Need to Know

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2026 FIFA World Cup: Bafana Bafana in Round of 32 – Fixture, Venue, Tickets, Predictions & All You Need to Know
Bafana Bafana of South Africa - Image: IMAGO

South Africa‘s Bafana Bafana have advanced to the knockout phase in their fourth FIFA World Cup in 2026, which is 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 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

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 was the fifth meeting between South Africa and Mexico since 1993. Bafana Bafana had lost twice, won once and drawn once prior to the latest encounter. They had also faced the Czech Republic once and shared the spoils.

However, it was the first time South Africa and South Korea would play each other across all competitions.

South Africa’s Group A Fixtures & Results

South Africa

Hugo Broos’ men started their journey against the co-hosts Mexico on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

It was going to be a tough outing for Broos’ men considering the fact that thousands in the stadium were behind El Tri. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave Mexico, who had Cesar Montes sent off, a 2-0 win. Bafana Bafana ended the game with nine men after red cards to Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane.

Sphephelo Sithole cheaply lost the ball, leading to Mexico's first goal.
Sphephelo Sithole cheaply lost the ball, leading to Mexico’s first goal. Image: Imago

The second game was against the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Having lost their opening game 2-1 versus South Korea, the European nation needed to respond.

Despite conceding early, thanks to Michal Sadilek’s strike, a Teboho Mokoena penalty ensured it ended 1-1.

Teboho Mokoena celebrates hos goal against Czech Republic.
Teboho Mokoena celebrates hos goal against Czech Republic. Photo: Imago

South Africa’s final Group A game at Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe against the South Korea Republic was the most important since they needed maximum points to secure their Round of 32 ticket.

Bafana Bafana came into the match as underdogs, but they surprised the world as Thapelo Maseko struck the only goal of the match to finish behind Mexico in Group A and seal their place in the knockout phase for the first time in history.

Thapelo Maseko celebrates his goal with his Bafana teammates against South Korea.
Thapelo Maseko celebrates his goal with his Bafana teammates against South Korea. Photo: SAFA

The World Cup Round of 32 – Who Will Bafana Bafana Play?

By the virtue of finishing second in Group A with four points, Bafana Bafana advanced to their first ever World Cup knockout phase.

They had initially failed to do so in 1998, 2002 and 2010, getting knocked out in the group stage.

South Africa will now play co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, June 28, at the Los Angeles Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled at 21.00 SAT. Canada failed to top Group B after falling to Switzerland in their final pool outing.

How to Get Tickets for Group A Matches

South Africa fans

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.

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

Round of 32 Prediction: Who Will Advance to the Round of 16?

Just like South Africa, this is the first time Canada have advanced to the knockout phase having failed to do so in the initiall appearances that came in 1982 and 2022 respectively.

Bafana Bafana started the competition on a low note, but they are gaining momentum, and from the display in the last two matches, their confidence have grown.

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana - Image: SAFA
Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana – Image: SAFA

If Broos’ men maintain the same, expect a stronger outing on Sunday and probably another win to make the Round of 16.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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