2026-06-07
Confusion reigns after behind-closed-doors Jamaica friendly
SAFA announced a 1-1 draw with goals from Foster and Atkinson while other reports scored it 0-1, capping a winless five-game run.
Group A · CAF · FIFA #60 · 1001/1
South Africa
1517Winless in five and dogged by friendly-result confusion, Broos's final job as a coach begins under maximum spotlight - opening the whole World Cup against hosts Mexico at the Azteca.
Coach Hugo Broos (Belgian) · since May 2021
Matches
Key players
- Ronwen WilliamsGK · Mamelodi Sundowns
Captain and heartbeat of Bafana; AFCON record-holder for penalty saves
- Lyle FosterST · Burnley
Primary striker with 10 goals in 26 caps - the most productive forward of the era
- Teboho MokoenaCM · Mamelodi Sundowns
Box-to-box glue of the team and set-piece threat
- Relebohile MofokengW · Orlando Pirates
Most exciting emerging talent; the World Cup is his shop window for a move abroad
- Oswin AppollisW · Orlando Pirates
Bafana's most potent attacking weapon over the last 18 months
Injuries / doubts
- No significant injuries reported; two uncapped players included in the final 26
Recent form
| 2026-06-06 | Jamaica | 1-1 D (disputed) | Friendly (behind closed doors) |
| 2026-05-29 | Nicaragua | 0-0 D | Friendly |
| 2026-03-31 | Panama | 1-2 L | Friendly |
| 2026-03-27 | Panama | 1-1 D | Friendly |
| 2026-01-04 | Cameroon | 1-2 L | AFCON round of 16 |
| 2025-12-29 | Zimbabwe | 3-2 W | AFCON group stage |
News
2026-06-01
Bafana to open the entire World Cup against Mexico at the Azteca
South Africa feature in the tournament's curtain-raiser on June 11 in Mexico City.
2026-05-28
Broos names final 26 with two uncapped players
Belgian veteran springs surprises in his last squad as a manager.