South Africa have one of the biggest time-zone burdens in the 2026 World Cup group stage, moving Mexico City → Atlanta → Monterrey with two two-hour swings.
South Africa
Returning after 16-year absence · CAF · 4th World Cup appearance · Group A
Featured facts
South Africa can win two consecutive World Cup games for the first time ever
South Africa have never advanced beyond the first group stage in their three World Cup appearances (1998, 2002 and 2010 as hosts).
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South Africa’s World Cup have never won their opening-match: 0W-2D-1L (3-6 goals)
South Africa have never advanced beyond the first group stage in 3 applicable World Cup group-stage appearances.
South Africa have conceded in each of their last 4 World Cup matches, letting in 8 goals in total.
South Africa's World Cup opening-match record is 0W-2D-1L: they lost 3-0 to France in 1998, drew 2-2 with Paraguay in 2002, and drew 1-1 with Mexico in 2010.
South Africa have won none of their last 4 international matches (0W-2D-2L).
2026 Fixtures
World Cup record
4
World Cup appearances
Best result: Group stage
10
matches played
2 won · 4 drawn · 4 lost
-7
goal difference
11 scored · 18 conceded
Recent World Cups
All-time top scorers
1Benedict McCarthy2goals
2Shaun Bartlett2goals
3Teboho Patrick Mokoena1goal
4Quinton Fortune1goal
5Siyabonga Nomvethe1goal
6Lucas Redebe1goal
7Siphiwe Tshabalala1goal
8Bongani Khumalo1goal
9Katlego Mphela1goal
Team profile
South Africa have never progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup.
South Africa have an average squad age of 26.3 at the 2026 World Cup.
2026 Squad
| # | Name | Birthdate (Age) | Club | WC Apps | WC Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ronwen WilliamsG | 21 Jan 1992(34) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Thabang MatuludiD | 14 Jan 1999(27) | Polokwane City | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Khulumani NdamaneD | 5 Feb 2004(22) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Teboho MokoenaM | 24 Jan 1997(29) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | Thalente MbathaM | 6 Mar 2000(26) | Orlando Pirates | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | Aubrey ModibaD | 22 Jul 1995(30) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 7 | Oswin AppollisF | 25 Aug 2001(24) | Orlando Pirates | 1 | 0 |
| 8 | Tshepang MoremiF | 2 Oct 2000(25) | Orlando Pirates | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Lyle FosterF | 3 Sept 2000(25) | Burnley | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | Relebohile MofokengF | 23 Oct 2004(21) | Orlando Pirates | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Themba ZwaneM | 3 Aug 1989(36) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 12 | Thapelo MasekoF | 11 Nov 2003(22) | AEL Limassol | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Sphephelo SitholeM | 3 Mar 1999(27) | Tondela | 1 | 0 |
| 14 | Mbekezeli MbokaziD | 19 Sept 2005(20) | Chicago Fire FC | 1 | 0 |
| 15 | Iqraam RaynersF | 19 Dec 1995(30) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 16 | Sipho ChaineG | 14 Dec 1996(29) | Orlando Pirates | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | Evidence MakgopaF | 5 Jun 2000(26) | Orlando Pirates | 1 | 0 |
| 18 | Samukele KabiniD | 15 Mar 2004(22) | Molde | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | Nkosinathi SibisiD | 22 Sept 1995(30) | Orlando Pirates | 1 | 0 |
| 20 | Khuliso MudauD | 26 Apr 1995(31) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 21 | Ime OkonD | 20 Feb 2004(22) | Hannover 96 | 1 | 0 |
| 22 | Ricardo GossG | 2 Apr 1994(32) | Siwelele | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Jayden AdamsM | 5 May 2001(25) | Mamelodi Sundowns | 1 | 0 |
| 24 | Olwethu MakhanyaD | 30 Apr 2004(22) | Philadelphia Union | 0 | 0 |
| 25 | Kamogelo SebelebeleF | 21 Jul 2002(23) | Orlando Pirates | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | Bradley CrossD | 30 Jan 2001(25) | Kaizer Chiefs | 0 | 0 |