Why Bafana Bafana should have their best World Cup showing ever in 2026

Bafana Bafana sealed qualification to the 2026 World Cup following their 3-0 win against Rwanda, coupled with Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing of Benin on Tuesday.

That means South Africa are set to play at the World Cup for the first time but it is just the third time in which they have qualified as they featured in the 2010 edition by virtue of being the host nation.

Hugo Broos’ men had their backs against the wall heading into the final match as they needed to win but also hope that Benin lost to Nigeria and Lady Luck smiled their way.

As they now embark on their preparations, there is reason to be optimistic that South Africa will perform better at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico compared to all their three previous editions.

Bafana Bafana set for fourth World Cup appearance

Bafana Bafana first qualified for the World Cup in 1998, just four years after the end of Apartheid, sealing their place at the tournament hosted by France, and made it back-to-back as they clinched their ticket to the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.

South Africa missed the 2006 edition in Germany but hosted the 2010 tournament and since then, it has been pain until coach Broos returned them to the ‘Promised Land’ this month.

History of Bafana Bafana at the World Cup

At all their three previous World Cups, Bafana Bafana were eliminated at the group stage.

In 1998, they drew two games and lost one, starting with a 3-0 defeat to hosts and eventual winners France, before a 1-1 draw with Denmark, Benni McCarthy scoring the equalizer, and they ended group stage action with a 2-2 result against Saudi Arabia when Shaun Bartlett netted both goals.

In 2002, Bafana Bafana had an impressive outing and only missed out on the Round of 16 based on goals scored.

South Africa started with a 2-2 draw with Paraguay, Teboho Patrick Mokoena and Quiton Fortune on target before Kaizer Chiefs legend Siyabonga Nomvethe’s goal secured a 1-0 victory against Slovenia.

South Africa would lose 3-2 to Spain in their final group stage match, when McCarthy and Lucas Radebe were their scorers. They had four points, same as Paraguay, but the South Americans had scored one more goal.

At the 2010 World Cup, Bafana Bafana similarly managed four points but lost out on the Round of 16 again on goal difference.

They started with a 1-1 draw with Mexico, when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the best goals in World Cup history, but lost 3-0 to Uruguay in the second match.

They surprised holders France by beating them 2-1 in the final match to end up with four points, same as Mexico, but the Latin American country had a better goal difference.

Bafana Bafana's overall record at FIFA World Cups

At the World Cup, Bafana Bafana have played nine games, won two, drawn four while losing three and managed to score 11 goals, conceding 16.

Why Bafana should get past group stage at 2026 World Cup

Unlike the previous editions, the 2026 World Cup is ‘diluted’ as it will have 48 teams, meaning the so-called lesser sides will also be playing, giving other teams a chance of progressing to the knockout round.

In the 2026 tournament, there will be up to eight slots available for the best third-placed teams that will join the best two from the groups in the knockout round.

With their four points in their last two editions, added to the quality and improvement in Hugo Broos’ team, this is the tournament that gives Bafana Bafana the best possible opportunity to get past the group stage for the first time.