How far can South Africa progress at the 2026 World Cup?
South Africa did well to qualify from a difficult group featuring five-time finalists Nigeria, even overcoming a three-point deduction to finish top of Group C and reach a fourth World Cup. Pipping Nigeria to qualification was no small feat, but this is a clear step up in class. Bafana Bafana have not appeared at a finals since hosting in 2010, when they were eliminated in the group stage, and a lack of experience at this level is a concern. They reached the last 32 of this year's Africa Cup of Nations before losing to Cameroon, but this is a tougher test again. They should be competitive and organised, but goals may be hard to find and a bottom-place finish in Group A looks the most likely outcome.
Our prediction: To finish bottom of Group A - 4/5
*all odds correct at time of publishing
South Africa World Cup odds
Outright Winner - 1000/1
To Reach Final - 250/1
To Reach Semi-Final - 50/1
To Reach Quarter-Final - 14/4
To Reach Last 16 - 4/1
Group A Winner - 12/1
Group A Qualify - 6/5
South Africa's group stage fixtures:
11 JUN - 20:00 - Mexico vs South Africa
18 JUN - 17:00 - Czechia vs South Africa
25 JUN - 02:00 - South Africa vs South Korea
Bet builder scouting report
Shots
Midfield powerhouse Teboho Mokoena possesses a mean long-range shot and is never shy in using it. During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Mokoena averaged just under three attempts per match.
Shots On Target
Lyle Foster was South Africa’s joint leading scorer in both qualifying and the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. The striker was used only sparingly by Burnley this season but six of his 20 shots in the Premier League were on target.
Assists
Livewire winger Oswin Appollis has registered eight assists in 26 international appearances and his creative talents will be key if Bafana Bafana are to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Fouls Committed
Right-back Khuliso Mudau averaged 1.26 fouls per match in 21 league outings for Mamelodi Sundowns this season and 2.2 fouls per 90 during World Cup qualifying.
Predicted South Africa Line-up
Formation - 4-2-3-1
Shirt number | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
1 | R. Williams | Goalkeeper |
20 | K. Mudau | Defender (RB) |
21 | I. Okon | Defender (CB) |
14 | M. Mbokazi | Defender (CB) |
6 | A. Modiba | Defender (LB) |
4 | T. Mokoena | Midfielder (DM) |
23 | J. Adams | Midfielder (DM) |
8 | T. Moremi | Forward (AMR) |
10 | R. Mofokeng | Forward (AMC) |
7 | O. Appollis | Forward (AML) |
9 | L. Foster | Forward (ST) |
Full South Africa team
Position | Player |
|---|---|
GK | S. Chaine |
GK | R. Williams |
GK | R. Goss |
DF | M. Mbokazi |
DF | S. Kabini |
DF | T. Matuludi |
DF | N. Sibisi |
DF | K. Ndamane |
DF | O. Makhanya |
DF | B. Cross |
DF | A. Modiba |
DF | K. Mudau |
DF | I. Okon |
MF | T. Mbatha |
MF | K. Sebelebele |
MF | J. Adams |
MF | Yaya Sithole |
MF | T. Mokoena |
MF | T. Zwane |
FW | I. Rayners |
FW | L. Foster |
FW | E. Makgopa |
FW | T. Moremi |
FW | O. Appollis |
FW | R. Mofokeng |
FW | T. Maseko |
South Africa Team Rating
Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
Overall | 60 |
WC Record | 42 |
Squad Depth | 57 |
Form | 55 |
Defence | 60 |
Goalkeeper | 62 |
Midfield | 59 |
Manager | 60 |
Attack | 61 |
Star Player | 62 |
See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and group tables.
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