South Africa will take on Panama in two international friendly matches as they prepare themselves for the more demanding global tournament, where they are in what appears to be a tricky group. Their Belgian coach has confirmed what they intend to achieve at this competition.
Mexico have been forced to turn to old heads and backups ahead of a pair of crucial friendlies, and the results could be dire for a side with big expectations
When Panama were confirmed as South Africa's opponents during the international break, questions were asked whether the Central Americans would give Bafana Bafana the right test. However, the national team coach has explained the financial constraints that South Africa would have faced if they were to welcome top-ranking nations for the friendlies.
The 20-year-old has been one of the youngsters who have made tremendous progress within a year of introduction to top-flight football by the then Sea Robbers coach Jose Riveiro. He is currently a key player for South Africa and hopes to be part of the 2026 World Cup squad in the next two months.
The spotlight again is on the Belgian tactician since he named his final squad to take on Panama during the international break. The raging debate is who should have been called up and who should have been left out. The games lined up later this month are expected to give the 73-year-old a glimpse of how fit his players are before the World Cup finals.
There have been questions about the best position for the versatile attacker, who has been excellent for the Buccaneers since getting his chance late in the 2022/23 campaign under the then-coach Jose Riveiro. He is an established South Africa international expected to lead the nation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Masandawana star is starting to play week in and week out again after he was sidelined by a lengthy injury before. The few minutes he has been given by the Downs' technical bench saw the attacking midfielder return to the national team fold. The big concern now is whether the 36-year-old will be fit beyond the season and play in the World Cup finals.
South Africa has been leaking at the back in recent outings, especially in the concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. With the global competitions about three months away, the Belgian tactician has been advised to consider an experienced defender who is currently struggling with fitness.
The former Cape Town City attacker has previously played under the Belgian coach when he featured for South Africa in September 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. But despite the good form he has been enjoying this season, the 27-year-old is being ignored as he comes in with versatility, offering back-up as a left attacking player or left-back.
As the West Africans prepare to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, South Africa has promised legal support. Senegal are facing the daunting task of maintaining their status as African champions after their win against Morocco was annulled. The CAF decision to strip Teranga Lions of the trophy came two months after the final was played in Rabat.
The Masandawana skipper has battled serious injuries in the recent past, and given his advanced age, there were fears that he might not fully recover. The 36-year-old last played for the national team in 2024, and he has a chance of wearing the national team colours again this month. South Africa coach has expressed his delight that the playmaker is back after being sidelined for a very long time.
In a decision that shocked the world, the CAF Appeals Board awarded the 2025 finals' hosts the trophy. The decision divided the opinion right in the middle, with some arguing that the board followed what the law stipulates, while others say the interpretation of the provisions was wrong. One of those who have responded to the decision is the South Africa coach, who says the delay makes the whole process questionable.
The goalkeeping position in the national team will be up for grabs in the next couple of years. Top custodians in South Africa are now hoping to take over from the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has been consistent for Mzansi. The Belgian tactician has further explained the reasons for snubbing Amakhosi's shot-stopper.
The Belgian recently confirmed his squad for the forthcoming international friendly outing in Durban and Cape Town. The fixture against Panama will be massive for the technical team in their bid to get a strong team to represent the country and Africa at large. Mexico, Canada, and the United States will co-host the Global competition.
The 73-year-old has already begun mapping out South Africa's journey to the 2026 global tournament with a series of logistical demands aimed at giving his side the best chance of success. The Belgian tactician is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to avoid the pitfalls of heavy travel schedules and high-altitude exhaustion in North America.
The South Africa coach is making bold decisions as he shapes his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Belgian tactician has made a few surprise omissions from his squad and has explained that his selections are based on form as he tries to build a competitive team for the global football tournament.
The 20-year-old has risen rapidly in his club career, making notable strides in a short space of time. Since his professional debut in March 2025, he has already secured a move overseas and continues to attract praise as a player destined for greatness. However, his switch to America did not earn a nod from his national team coach.
South Africa are set for an international friendly game with the Canal Men in the next couple of days. The first game will be staged in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while the second one will be at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Some top names were omitted from the team as Hugo Broos named his squad to kickstart preparations for the global competition.
South Africa have begun their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged in North America. The former Cameroon coach has unveiled his squad for the friendly matches scheduled at the end of March. As expected, the tactician made some surprising selections, but he has moved to justify one of those decisions.
The 24-year-old has rediscovered his top form, staking a strong claim for a return to regular national team call-ups like in the past, and he has opened up on his rejuvenation. Now firmly re-established as a key figure for the Brazilians, with just three months to go to the global football tournament.
FIFA has officially announced a landmark partnership with YouTube ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at revolutionising how the tournament reaches a digital-first audience. The deal will allow official rights holders to leverage the world’s largest video platform to showcase live action and classic content to fans across the globe.
Although club football dominates headlines currently, South Africans are also looking ahead as Bafana are set to take part in the upcoming global bonanza. The Sea Robbers and Masandawana are in a tight battle to win the Premier Soccer League title, the same teams that are expected to contribute the majority of players to the national team.
The 21-year-old player made his name at the Soweto giants in the 2024/25 campaign, attracting several teams before eventually leaving for the Saudi Pro League outfit. Being played as a defender, the versatile attacker has been struggling for form and game time of late, and that places him at risk of being out of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos' plans.
The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.
The North African side have moved quickly to replace the South African tactician who quit over the weekend. And, in a twist of fate rarely seen in football, it looks like the two coaches are basically 'swapping' clubs.
Amakhosi players’ continued exclusion from the national team reflects how standards have dropped at Naturena. A former Buccaneers star has not minced his words, insisting the Glamour Boys currently do not have players deserving of a place in the squad. He believes the situation highlights just how far the club has fallen from the level expected of a team of its stature.
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