Where Bafana Bafana rank among Africa’s World Cup knockout qualifiers

Bafana Bafana became the second African nation to seal their place in the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup following their win over South Korea on Thursday.

South Africa knew a win would get them over the line and did just that when Thapelo Maseko’s 63^rd strike gave them a 1-0 victory and with Mexico thrashing Czech Republic 3-0, Hugo Broos’ men sailed through as the second-placed team in Group A.

South Africa players celebrate their goal against South Korea. Photo: SAFA

Bafana Bafana sealed their place with four points after a loss, draw and win and now, they have joined Morocco as the second African team in the knockout round and other nations from the continent are also close to joining them.

However, as they await the others yet to qualify for the Round of 32, where do Bafana rank among Africa’s World Cup knockout qualifiers?

Morocco – 7 points

Morocco players celebratea goal. Photo: Imago

Morocco are the top ranked nation among Africa’s World Cup knockout qualifiers after sealing their ticket with an unbeaten record.

The Atlas Lions started their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Brazil before beating Scotland 1-0 and finished their group stage action with a 4-2 win against Haiti, which left them with seven points, same as the Samba Boys, who are only top of Group C on goal difference.

South Africa – 4 points

There are two other African nations with four points but unlike South Africa, they are not sure of where they will finish in their groups.

Bafana Bafana, who lost 2-0 to Mexico, drew 1-1 with Czech Republic before beating South Korea, finished second in Group A with four points and sealed their place in the knockout round.

Egypt – 4 points

Meanwhile, Egypt also have four points and top of Group G but while four points will be enough for a place in the Round of 32, it is not certain which position they will finish.

The Pharaohs, who drew 1-1 with Belgium before beating New Zealand 3-1, have a tricky match against Iran. However, with Iran and Belgium both on two points, and New Zealand on one, a lot will change after matchday three.

Ghana – 4 points

Antoine Semenyo of Ghana. Photo by Icon Sport

The Black Stars of Ghana also are in prime position to qualify as they are second in Group L with four points, same as England while Croatia have three.

However, with a tough match against Croatia and England taking in minnows Haiti, it is not certain which position the West Africans will finish even though they have all but qualified for the Round of 32.