Bafana Bafana set sights on AFCON 2027 after historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run

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Bafana Bafana has arrived at OR Tambo International Airport to a heroes' welcome after reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the country's history.

Fresh off their best-ever FIFA World Cup performance, the national team has already set their sights on a new target – qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The squad's attention now shifts to securing qualification for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Captain Ronwen Williams said there would be little time to dwell on the World Cup as the squad's focus now turns to securing qualification for AFCON 2027. The goalkeeper believes the experience gained on football's biggest stage will stand Bafana Bafana in good stead as they embark on their next international challenge.

The team has been drawn in Group D for qualification, alongside co-hosts Kenya, Guinea, and Eritrea. Kenya are guaranteed a place, meaning Bafana Bafana just need to finish ahead of Guinea and Eritrea. A look at the latest FIFA rankings shows that Guinea are ranked 81st and Eritrea 184th, while South Africa are 54th and Kenya 109th.

Hundreds of jubilant supporters gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the squad home, waving South African flags and cheering as the players and coaching staff made their way through the arrivals terminal. The reception reflected the pride many South Africans felt after Bafana surpassed expectations at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Head coach Hugo Broos thanked supporters for the warm reception, saying he was touched by the turnout. The Belgian coach said seeing so many fans at the airport demonstrated the growing connection between the national team and its supporters.

The team's performance has sparked renewed optimism for the future, with the South African Football Association (SAFA) confident that Bafana Bafana can build on their momentum and achieve even greater success in the years to come.