"We will give it our all and try to win every game."

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana coach.

FIFA updated its world rankings just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, keeping Bafana Bafana in 60th place, making them the lowest-ranked team in their group with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. South Africa will face Mexico in their opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11.

Bafana Bafana's coach, Hugo Broos, said they will give the team their all and try to win every game. Their poor ranking has raised concerns about their chances of progressing in the tournament, but Broos remains optimistic and is focusing on the team's preparation and training.

The team's poor ranking has been a topic of discussion among soccer fans and analysts, who question the team's chances of making it to the next round. However, Broos is confident that the team has what it takes to surprise their opponents and make a strong showing in the tournament.

Bafana Bafana's Group A schedule is as follows:

  • June 11: Mexico vs South Africa, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
  • 21:00 (SA time)
  • June 18: Czech Republic vs South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
  • 18:00 (SA time)
  • June 25: South Africa vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe
  • 03:00 (SA time)

The top two teams in each group will advance to the next round, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

Hugo Broos has been the coach of Bafana Bafana since 2022. With a rich experience in soccer, having coached several teams in Europe and Africa, Broos has a reputation for being a meticulous coach who focuses on the team's preparation and training.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams, each vying for the championship title. The teams will be divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the next round, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

Despite their poor ranking, Bafana Bafana has a loyal fan base in South Africa, with fans consistently filling up the stadiums to cheer on their team. The excitement and interest in the tournament have increased due to the team's poor ranking.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups and Rankings

  • Group A: Mexico
  • 14, South Korea
  • 25, Czech Republic
  • 39, South Africa
  • 60
  • Group B: Switzerland
  • 19, Canada
  • 31, Qatar
  • 55, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • 64
  • Group C: Brazil
  • 6, Morocco
  • 7, Scotland
  • 43, Haiti
  • 82
  • Group D: USA - 16, Turkey
  • 22, Australia
  • 27, Paraguay
  • 40
  • Group E: Germany
  • 10, Ecuador
  • 24, Ivory Coast
  • 33, Curacao
  • 83
  • Group F: Netherlands
  • 8, Japan
  • 18, Sweden
  • 38, Tunisia
  • 46
  • Group G: Belgium
  • 9, Iran
  • 20, Egypt
  • 29, New Zealand
  • 85
  • Group H: Spain
  • 2, Uruguay
  • 17, Saudi Arabia
  • 61, Cape Verde
  • 68
  • Group I: France
  • 3, Senegal
  • 15, Norway
  • 31, Iraq
  • 56
  • Group J: Argentina
  • 1, Austria
  • 23, Algeria
  • 28, Jordan
  • 63
  • Group K: Portugal
  • 5, Colombia
  • 13, Congo DR - 45, Uzbekistan
  • 50
  • Group L: England
  • 4, Croatia
  • 11, Panama
  • 34, Ghana
  • 73