Bafana Bafana land tricky pre-World Cup friendlies

Bafana Bafana have learned their next opponent for the March international window as they begin preparations towards the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa last played at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where they exited at the Round of 16 and after a disappointing tournament, they are keen to avoid another poor show at the World Cup.

Part of that will be to ensure they have great preparations leading to the tournament to prepare Hugo Broos’ team better.

Who will Bafana Bafana play next?

Bafana Bafana will therefore play against Panama in two friendly matches between March 27 and 31 at a venue that is yet to be decided.

The Central American nation are also World Cup-bound and are ranked 33^rd on the FIFA ranking, 27 places ahead of South Africa, who are at position 60.

“The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’ build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026,” said a statement from SAFA.

South Africa in tough World Cup group

“Panama, currently ranked 33rd in the world, were considered to provide high-quality opposition. The Central American side offers a competitive, physical and tactically disciplined test that aligns closely with the level Bafana Bafana will face at the FIFA World Cup.”

Bafana Bafana were drawn in a tricky Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup which comprises co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and a European team which will come from a UEFA Playoff D that has Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark and North Macedonia.

They will play the opening match against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11.