Bafana Bafana’s biggest World Cup moments: Iconic goals, wins and matches ranked

Bafana Bafana have delivered some of the most unforgettable moments at the World Cup and as they head to the 2026 tournament, more are expected.

South Africa are returning to the World Cup after a 16-year wait, having last played at their home tournament in 2010. They had also been at the 1998 and 2002 editions.

During those three editions, there were some moments that still live in the memories of South Africans, more so the wins and goals.

France 1998

Benni McCarthy’s historic goal vs Denmark

South Africa made their debut to the grandest stage of global football at the 1998 World Cup in France, when they opened their tournament with a 3-0 loss to the hosts before a 1-1 draw with Denmark. A 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia saw them exit at the group stage after finishing third.

Benni McCarthy made South African football history when he scored their first-ever World Cup goal and it was significant as it also earned them their maiden point at the tournament.

After Denmark took a 12^th minute lead, McCarthy pounced on a defensive error before calmly slotting the ball through the legs of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel for 1-1 in the 51^st minute to etch his name in history.

Shaun Bartlett’s volley vs Saudi Arabia

Still at the 1998 World Cup, Shaun Bartlett also wrote his own chapter of history when he scored twice in one match, the only South African to have netted a brace at the tournament, during the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.

It was his opening goal that stands out to date. Bartlett met a cross from the right flank, expertly controlling the ball, before hammering it home for 1-0 after 18 minutes. The Saudis would score two penalties, one on the stroke of halftime, and the other one in the 74^th minute, but Bartlett had the final say, slotting home in stoppage time from the spot for 2-2.

His opening goal, however, remains etched in the memories of South Africans.

South Korea/Japan 2002

At the 2002 World Cup, South Africa’s second edition, Bafana Bafana were much more experienced and it showed in their performance even though they finished third, level on four points with Paraguay, only missing out on the knockout stages on head-to-head record.  

In that tournament, South Africa drew 2-2 with Paraguay, beat Slovenia 1-0 before a 3-2 loss to Spain. Against Paraguay, they fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2, Teboho Patrick Mokoena and Quinton Fortune scoring the goals.

Siyabonga Nomvethe would score a fourth-minute goal against Slovenia and that was all they needed as they secured their first-ever World Cup win before running Spain close only to lose 3-2.

Against Spain, South Africa fought back to draw 1-1 in the 31^st minute through Benni McCarthy after Rau had scored in the fourth minute but Gaizka Mendieta restored the Spaniards’ lead. Lucas Radebe brought South Africa level in the 53^rd minute but they could not hold on as Rau added another one three minutes later to win it for Spain.

South Africa 2010

At South Africa’s home tournament, Bafana Bafana were unlucky not to advance to the knockout stages but it was perhaps the tournament when they made a big mark.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s screamer vs Mexico

The opening game against Mexico witnessed one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history and it was scored by a Bafana Bafana player.

After a goalless first half, Siphiwe Tshabalala got the whole of Africa on its feet when he scored a stunner, a blistering, angled strike into the top corner in the 55^th minute in what was described as a ‘goal for Africa’.

Together with the players’ synchronised “Diski Dance” celebration, it is perhaps the most famous goal in South Africa’s football history.

South Africa would follow it up with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Uruguay but saved the best for last.

Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela heroics vs France

South Africa met 2006 World Cup finalists France in their final group stage match in 2010 but were unfazed by their pedigree as they took a 2-0 lead inside 37 minutes.

After 20 minutes, Bongani Khumalo outjumped the French defence to powerfully head in from a corner before Katlego Mphela latched onto a perfectly weighted through-ball from Teko Modise and stretched to roll the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Florent Malouda would pull one back for France in the 70^th minute but South Africa held on to record their biggest World Cup win, beating one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Unfortunately, South Africa became the first World Cup hosts to exit at the group stage, despite finishing with four points, same as Mexico, who advanced to the knockout rounds due to a better goal difference.