South Africa return to the global football stage for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament. But they had successfully passed through a qualification campaign when they made it to the 2002 Korea/Japan edition. They now head to North America, and a former Buccaneers skipper is convinced they have what it takes to conquer the world.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has been trending for the last six or so months after being fielded against Lesotho despite being suspended. It almost cost the national team a ticket to compete with the best in the world, but the players fought to ensure it wasn't the case as South Africa eventually topped Group C to get an automatic slot.
South Africa will be part of the global competition once again for the first time since 2010, when they hosted it. However, this achievement came against some odds, as Mzansi were faced with what appeared like an insurmountable challenge, which, in the end, they overcame.
After being defeated 3-0 and seeing their own World Cup dreams extinguished, Rwanda's coach Adel Amrouche felt he had an important message to deliver to Hugo Broos on the age of the Belgian's squad and the need for young players to be integrated ahead of major tournaments.
Although he did not earn a direct call-up to Bafana, after filling in for the injured Maswanganyi, Mbule went on and featured in the crucial qualifiers that South Africa needed to win. His determination to grab his 'second chance' has been lauded by his coach, who has challenged him to keep working hard ahead of future international assignments.
The French sportswear manufacturer replaced Nike as a technical sponsor South African football national teams, but their partnership with the local football governing body is coming to an end. A new sports apparel manufacturer is expected to be announced by SAFA to replace Le Coq Sportif.
The veteran tactician has hinted he might not consider any other coaching offer after reaching several milestones with South Africa in both the continent and the world at large. The former Cameroon coach has been at the helm of the national team since May 2021, when he replaced Molefi Ntseki, who had failed to deliver the set objectives.
The Amakhosi star was a late call-up to the national team, replacing injured Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng. Broos then handed him his official national team debut after coming on as a substitute towards the end of the match against Rwanda, as South Africa had already made it difficult for their opponents to come back.
The 73-year-old has been a rock in Mzansi football, where he has ensured the national team gets back to its rightful place, not only on the continent but the world at large. He has explained how he had to give his best to get players with the right attitude to represent the country and ensure they deliver consistently across all competitions.
South Africa are heading to the USA/Canada and Mexico after booking a ticket to participate in the global tournament. Since participating as hosts in the 2010 World Cup, South Africa have not qualified for this competition. However, they have now managed to earn a spot through a challenging campaign, which included having three points docked by FIFA.
From early promise to a costly points deduction, and a final-day showdown that left the nation breathless, South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign was a rollercoaster of brilliance, blunders and bold performances. It was a journey shaped by pressure, resilience and moments that won’t be forgotten.
South Africa are among the teams that have sealed their World Cup ticket thanks to their healthy win over Amavubi in the midweek outing, coupled with the Super Eagles' victory over the Cheetahs in Uyo. This is the first time since 2010 that Mzansi will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the global competition to be played next year.
After a goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday night, South Africa needed a win over Amavubi in Mbombela and hoped Nigeria would beat Benin in Uyo. Fate smiled on Hugo Broos’ side. The Belgian coach led Bafana Bafana to the global showpiece, marking their first successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 24 years.
The Amakhosi goalkeeper, who created a storm when he refused to be substituted recently, has been backed and described in glowing terms. The Soweto giants have been asked to make a choice over the Rwandan because he either must play or leave, according to his coach.
As Bafana prepare to take on Rwanda's Amavubi, a new player has been called up by Hugo Broos. This is a crucial game for Mzansi, but they will face their rivals without key stars, and this complicates their situation even more.
South Africa have been struggling for a prolific scorer who can take them to the global football competition and this problem comes at the most delicate moment. Already, strikers called up by coach Hugo Broos were struggling to score goals at their respective clubs and he now loses some of these men, leaving him to make desperate call-ups.
The Simba SC midfielder is fully behind South Africa as they seek the victory that could propel the national team to the World Cup finals for the first time since the country hosted the 2010 version of the quadrennial event.
South Africa were cruising. Now they’re clinging. A belated points deduction and a goalless draw with Zimbabwe have left Bafana Bafana needing a win over Rwanda in Mbombela and a result from Nigeria against Benin to keep their World Cup dream alive. It’s the final Group C game and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
South Africa enter a very important phase of their quest to qualify for the World Cup with another do-or-die match against Amavubi. On Friday, Hugo Broos' men were held to a goalless draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe. On Tuesday, they play the Eastern African nation, knowing they can't afford another slip-up in their quest to compete with the best in the world.
The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their quest to play in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. However, their win over the Cheetahs on Tuesday might be what Mzansi need to get their ticket; but of course, they need victory against the Eastern African nation in another Group C fixture scheduled for the same day.
Mzansi's hope of playing in the prestigious global competition hangs in the balance after their recent goalless draw against the Warriors. The Hugo Broos-led team plays the Eastern African nation aware that they can't drop any more points if they are to sustain their chances of representing the continent in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Warriors frustrated Bafana as the game ended in a goalless draw in a match that the latter needed nothing but three points. This is a game that the Super Eagles also keenly followed because they also wanted their rivals to slip in order to gain ground in the qualification race.
The Sea Robbers defender has been described as a shy figure and one who barely speaks for himself. However, his story on the pitch is different; he is an imposing figure who has become a dominant player for both the club and Bafana Bafana.
A few weeks ago, Bafana were strong favourites to top Group C and book their spot in the global showpiece set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. How things have changed. From a position of strength, Hugo Broos’ charges now find themselves in a precarious situation where they need favours from others.
The youngster joined the South American heavyweights as part of a collaborative partnership with his local club. He impressed during trials that lasted for two months before he was co-opted in a move that has been welcomed by those who developed him.
South Africa
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