South Africa's World Cup group opponents will be officially revealed on Friday evening, with the draw set to take place at the John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC, United States. The Mzansi side has been placed in Pot 3, alongside Norway, Egypt, Tunisia, Panama, Ivory Coast, Paraguay, Qatar, Scotland, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Algeria.
The much-anticipated global football tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
South Africa find themselves in seemingly challenging Group B at the continental tournament alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe. Navigating through this pool will be crucial if they are to reach the knockout rounds. They are determined to improve on their previous campaign, where they secured a bronze medal. However, doubts have surfaced after an experienced coach questioned the squad selected by the Belgian tactician. That scrutiny has added extra pressure on the team to prove their capabilities on the big stage.
The two Sea Robbers were teammates at defunct SuperSport United before they took different paths. Now at Bucs, they are teammates again and have both become crucial players for the Soweto giants in their debut seasons. They are also teammates on the national team and, in a few weeks' time, will be heading to the AFCON finals.
The former Bucs coach is in South Africa as a brand advocate for Carling Black Label, the sponsors of the Carling Knockout Cup, and shared his thoughts on the impact the Belgian tactician has had on the national team.
Despite taking the lead, Chiefs allowed their opponents to fight back in a game held at Thorpe Arch Training Ground. After the game, Amakhosi now shifts their focus to the next encounter against a Championship outfit. The London-based club is home to South Africa's African champion and has already earned a call-up from Hugo Broos.
The Denmark-based player continues to be overlooked by South Africa coach Hugo Broos despite his consistent performances overseas. Even when the 27-year-old wing-back hits top form for his club, the 2017 AFCON-winning trainer shows little trust in including him in his plans. It has become increasingly clear that Broos does not hold him in high regard, leaving many to question what more the player must do to earn a call-up.
Mamelodi Sundowns return to Premier Soccer League action after nearly a month after making way following the Carling Knockout semi-finals, the FIFA break and then focusing on CAF Champions League commitments. The Brazilians were knocked off the PSL top spot by Orlando Pirates last weekend. However, they can reclaim top position with a win over Siwelele FC at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday and head into the AFCON break firmly in control of the title race.
After days of intense speculation, the defender's move has now been announced by his new side. The Mzansi star, who has been an impressive figure for both the Premier Soccer League giants and the national team, becomes the second youngest gem to leave the Soweto giants after Mohau Nkota. The Major League Soccer side has also revealed the contract details of the defender.
When Broos named his final squad for the AFCON finals, there was not much surprise because he maintained the core players who have always dominated his teams. Amakhosi stars were once again snubbed, although Mduduzi Shabalala was named among the reserve players. In recent times, Orlando Pirates have been contributing a huge chunk of players to the national side, a privilege enjoyed by Mamelodi Sundowns before.
After a long wait, the Belgian has now named the players he will take to Morocco in the hunt for yet another continental trophy for South Africa. As usual, his selection has divided opinion as fans and pundits debate who should be in the squad and who should not be. The former Cameroon head coach has now explained why he selected two skillful attackers.
The Bucs vice-captain has been one of the standout performers in the Premier Soccer League, firmly cementing his place in the Buccaneers’ camp while also making waves in the Bafana Bafana setup as a reliable centre-back. His performances have spoken for themselves, and it comes as no surprise that he is now heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
The Maroons picked up a crucial point on the road against the Tanzanian outfit, with the match ending 1–1 as they continue to assert their recognisable presence on the continental stage. However, Stellies were left frustrated on Sunday after the draw — a result that coach Steve Barker believes could have been very different with fairer officiating.
By picking up yet another win, the Sea Robbers are building up perfect momentum for the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. Against Durban City, players showed individual brilliance and team brilliance, a testament that Abdeslam Ouadou's rotation policy could be working. Although they started the season struggling, the Sea Robbers have made their way to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings and are now sending a clear signal that they are serious title contenders.
The Sea Robbers were once again lethal as they managed a Premier Soccer League win over Durban City on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Meanwhile, there was a palpable sigh of relief for Pirates fans who saw Mbekezile Mbokazi back into the starting line-up again. For a week now, the centre-back has been a subject of intense debate, as reports had indicated he was closer to the exit door, reportedly on his way to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.
The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star continues to make his mark for the Moroccan club, once again proving influential as Wydad Casablanca powered to their second victory of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on Friday, 28 November. His impact has kept the giants firmly in contention, underlining his growing importance on the continental stage.
The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month.
They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.
