Every Bafana Bafana World Cup jersey ever: What you should know about South Africa’s tournament kits

Bafana Bafana have worn different kits during their previous three appearances at the World Cup and there have been some iconic ones that are still striking to date.

Here is what you need to know about South Africa’s World Cup kits.

1998 World Cup

A nostalgic masterpiece for football fans, the 1998 home jersey worn by Bafana Bafana, evokes a pivotal moment in the nation’s sporting history.

Its iconic bright yellow design by Kappa became a symbol of unity and spirit during the country’s campaign at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

The classic design is instantly recognisable, featuring the South African Football Association (SAFA) crest alongside emblematic green and gold accents. This combination perfectly captured the essence of a historic journey on the world’s biggest football stage.

Crafted with meticulous detail, the jersey is more than just sportswear; it represents national pride and the collective dreams of a nation.

2002 World Cup jersey

At their second World Cup in 2002, South Africa wore an Adidas classic yellow jersey featuring green accents and the iconic Proteas crest. Used during the 2002 World Cup qualification campaign, it is remembered for its traditional, vibrant design with a bright yellow, typically featuring green detailing on the collar and sleeves, along with the SAFA badge.

The 2002 World Cup kit follows the classic, slightly looser fit characteristic of late 90s football shirts compared to modern, tight-fitting jerseys.

2010 World Cup

When South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010, the official jersey was a blend of national pride and cutting-edge technology.

The kit, a two-year collaborative design effort between South African and German teams from sponsor Adidas, prominently featured the South African flag on the front and an African art-inspired print on the collar.

Primarily yellow with green trim, the jersey incorporated 11 threads, symbolising the nation’s “diversity in unity.” It also featured modern interpretations of traditional South African artwork. According to Southafrica.info, the design aimed at capturing the spirit of the host nation.

2026 World Cup

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, SAFA and Adidas unveiled a new home jersey for the 2026/2027 season, which will be worn by both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

The design pays homage to the iconic kit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup while incorporating a modern, performance-focused aesthetic. It retains the classic yellow base with green trim but features a contemporary cut and refined details, reflecting the pride and competitive spirit of South African football on the world stage.

A key feature of the new jersey is its celebration of all 12 of South Africa’s official languages. Subtle graphics woven into the fabric represent the diverse voices of the nation coming together as one.

Engineered for elite performance, the kit is equipped with Adidas’s latest CLIMACOOL+ technology, ensuring breathability and comfort. Perforated panels and mesh zones enhance airflow during high-intensity matches, while a lenticular heat-applied crest and Adidas logo add a bold, innovative visual element.