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South Africa Football Tickets | All Matches & Competitions
Whether you're looking to watch South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, see them at the Africa Cup of Nations, or catch Bafana Bafana in a qualifier or friendly, we have tickets available for every South Africa match. Browse the upcoming fixtures below and book your South Africa football tickets securely online.
Upcoming South Africa Fixtures
World Cup 2026 โ The Opening Match
South Africa have been drawn in Group A โ and they open the entire tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. It's a massive occasion: the first match of the 2026 World Cup, broadcast to billions worldwide, in one of football's most atmospheric stadiums. The second match against European Playoff D in Atlanta offers a realistic opportunity for three points, and the finale against South Korea in Monterrey could determine who advances. The expanded 48-team format, where three teams can qualify from each group, is a significant advantage for Bafana Bafana.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 11 June 2026 | Mexico vs South Africa | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| 18 June 2026 | European Playoff D vs South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| 24 June 2026 | South Africa vs South Korea | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey |
Looking for the full World Cup experience? Visit our dedicated South Africa World Cup 2026 tickets page for complete details on Bafana Bafana's campaign, host city guides and all available World Cup tickets.
Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa reached the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast โ matching their best tournament finish since winning the competition as hosts in 1996. Ronwen Williams' extraordinary penalty saves became the story of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are rebuilding as a genuine continental force.
International Friendlies
South Africa regularly schedule friendlies and qualifiers that provide opportunities to see Broos' squad in action ahead of tournament football.
About the South Africa National Team
| Official Name | South Africa National Football Team |
| Nickname | Bafana Bafana (The Boys, The Boys) |
| Manager | Hugo Broos (Belgian, since 2021) |
| Captain | Ronwen Williams |
| Home Stadium | FNB Stadium (Soccer City), Johannesburg (94,736) |
| Federation | South African Football Association (SAFA), founded 1991 |
| World Ranking | Top 60 |
| Kit Colours | Yellow and green (home), White (away) |
| Major Honours | AFCON champions (1996); WC hosts (2010) |
South Africa's football story is unlike any other. Banned from international competition during the apartheid era, Bafana Bafana only returned to football in 1992 โ and won the Africa Cup of Nations just four years later in one of sport's most emotional triumphs. Hosting the 2010 World Cup, the first on African soil, was a crowning achievement for the Rainbow Nation, even though the team was eliminated in the group stage โ the first hosts ever to suffer that fate. Despite beating France 2-1, the tournament ended in heartbreak.
Since 2010, South Africa endured a painful 16-year absence from the World Cup. Broos' appointment in 2021 changed the trajectory. The Belgian, who previously led Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, built Bafana Bafana around defensive organisation, collective discipline and a mix of PSL experience and exciting young talent. The 2023 AFCON semi-final run โ where Williams' penalty heroics captivated the continent โ proved this squad could compete at the highest level. Topping the CAF qualifying group, including a 1-0 victory over Nigeria, sealed the World Cup return.
Key South Africa Players
Ronwen Williams โ The Wall
Mamelodi Sundowns' extraordinary goalkeeper is the captain, leader and heartbeat of this Bafana Bafana squad. Williams' penalty-saving heroics at the 2023 AFCON โ where he single-handedly dragged South Africa to the semi-finals โ established him as one of the best goalkeepers in African football history. His reflexes, shot-stopping ability and command of the penalty area give South Africa a world-class presence between the posts. Named the best goalkeeper at AFCON 2023, Williams will be 34 at the World Cup and arrives at the peak of his powers.
Teboho Mokoena โ The General
Mamelodi Sundowns' commanding midfielder is the engine that drives Bafana Bafana forward. Mokoena's passing range, powerful shooting from distance and ability to control the tempo of matches make him the most complete midfielder in South African football. His spectacular long-range strikes have become a trademark, and his composure in big moments makes him vital against World Cup opposition.
Percy Tau โ The Fox
The experienced forward brings international pedigree having previously played for Brighton and in the Belgian league. Tau's intelligence, movement and ability to find space in tight areas make him a crucial creative outlet. His experience at the highest level provides the nous Bafana Bafana need at a World Cup.
Relebohile Mofokeng โ The Jewel
Orlando Pirates' sensational young talent is South African football's brightest prospect. Still a teenager during qualification, "Rele" possesses dribbling ability, vision and confidence beyond his years. His flair and directness give Bafana Bafana a creative X-factor that opponents find difficult to handle. By the time the World Cup arrives, Mofokeng could be one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Lyle Foster โ The Spearhead
The Burnley striker provides South Africa with a physical, hard-working focal point in attack. Foster's ability to hold up play, bring others into the game and compete aerially gives Broos a different attacking dimension. His Premier League experience is invaluable on the world stage.
South Africa's Tournament History
South Africa's tournament history is defined by two extraordinary chapters: the miracle of 1996 and the magic of 2010. The AFCON triumph on home soil in 1996, just four years after readmission to international football, was Nelson Mandela's football dream realised. The 2010 World Cup โ the first on African soil โ gave the world the vuvuzela, Tshabalala's goal, and memories that transcend sport.
| Tournament | Appearances | Best Result | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup | 3 (4th in 2026) | Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010) | 2010: Hosted tournament โ Tshabalala's opening goal, beat France 2-1; first hosts eliminated in groups |
| Africa Cup of Nations | Multiple | Champions (1996) | 1996: Won title on home soil, 4 years after readmission; 2023: Semi-finalists (Williams' penalty saves) |
South Africa's Tournament Record at a Glance
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| World Cup appearances | 3 (1998, 2002, 2010) โ 4th in 2026 |
| Best World Cup result | Group stage (all three appearances) |
| 16-year absence | Last competitive WC: 2002 โ 2010 as hosts only |
| AFCON title | Champions (1996) โ won on home soil |
| 2023 AFCON | Semi-finalists (4th place) |
| WC 2026 Group | Group A โ Mexico, South Korea, European Playoff D |
| Special honour | Opening match of entire 2026 World Cup: vs Mexico at Estadio Azteca |
| SAFA founded | 1991 (readmitted after apartheid ban) |
South Africa's World Cup history carries enormous symbolism. The 1998 tournament in France was Bafana Bafana's first โ a powerful statement for a nation emerging from decades of isolation. The 2002 campaign ended in the group stage, and then came 2010: the World Cup that Africa had dreamed of. Tshabalala's goal against Mexico in the opener remains the defining image. Despite beating France, South Africa's elimination on goal difference was crushing. Since then, 16 years of frustration โ failed qualifiers, coaching upheaval, rebuilding. Broos' team have ended that drought with a qualification campaign that proved Bafana Bafana belong. Opening the 2026 tournament against Mexico at the Azteca is a full-circle moment. For the full breakdown, visit our South Africa World Cup 2026 tickets page.
How to Buy South Africa Football Tickets
Looking for South Africa football tickets? Bafana Bafana supporters are among the most passionate in African football, and the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca will be one of the most watched sporting events of the year. The large South African diaspora worldwide guarantees colourful support across all three venues. We've sourced South Africa tickets to make the process simple and secure:
- Select the South Africa match you want to attend from the fixture list above and click 'View Tickets'.
- Select the section where you'd like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
- Select the number of tickets you'd like to buy.
- Click the green 'Buy' button.
- Fill in the order form with your personal details.
- Check that all your information has been entered correctly.
- Click 'Make Payment'.
- The tickets are now yours!
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Tickets
Where does South Africa play their home matches?
South Africa play home matches at various stadiums, most notably FNB Stadium (Soccer City) in Johannesburg (94,736 capacity). For the 2026 World Cup, South Africa play at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
Has South Africa qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes โ South Africa topped their CAF qualifying group to secure their place at the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. They are in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and European Playoff D.
Who is South Africa's manager?
Hugo Broos, the Belgian manager who previously led Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, has been in charge since 2021. He guided Bafana Bafana to the AFCON semi-finals in 2023 and topped the qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. This is his final role as a manager.
Can South Africa advance from Group A?
Absolutely. The expanded 48-team format where three teams can qualify from each group is a major advantage. South Africa's defensive organisation under Broos, Williams' goalkeeping excellence and the team's big-game mentality from the AFCON campaign give them a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.