South Africa's national football team, competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2010.
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The Namibian
Bafana Bafana received support from Namibia during their 2026 World Cup campaign when other nations turned away
“The minister expresses "deep appreciation" to the Namibian people, noting that while other nations turned away and refused to support South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana during their 2026 World Cup campaign, Namibia stood in solidarity.”
SA minister hails Namibia as ‘true sister nation’ amid xenophobia allegationsThe Namibian
Bafana Bafana reached Round of 32 for the first time
“Adams played in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the World Cup, as Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 for the first time, but did not feature in the knockout defeat by Canada.”
South Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies at 25The Namibian
Bafana Bafana reached knockout stage of 2026 World Cup for first time
“After finishing runners-up to co-hosts Mexico in Group A and reaching the knockout stage for the first time, South Africa lost to Canada in the round of 32.”
South Africa candidates line up as Broos exit confirmedInformanté
Bafana Bafana secured their place in the last 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Korea Republic
“Bafana Bafana secured their place in the last 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Korea Republic in their final Group A match, while Canada advanced from Group B despite a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver.”
South Africa and Canada set for historic FIFA World Cup knockout clashThe Namibian
Bafana Bafana reached the World Cup knockout phase for the first time
“Having reached the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time, Bafana Bafana (The Boys) face Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles in the first last-32 fixture.”
Broos smiles and snarls before South Africa’s historic World Cup matchThe Namibian
Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 to reach World Cup knockout rounds for first time
“South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history — an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat.”
South Africa stun South Korea to make World Cup historyThe Namibian
Rusten Sukhile Mogane achieved famous victories over Bafana Bafana
“Apart from qualifying for the Afcon, Mogane also points to reaching two Cosafa Cup finals, during which Namibia lost to Angola plus the two famous victories over Bafana Bafana as the highlights of his national team coaching career.”
Mogane: The midfield maestro who made Namibia proudThe Namibian
Bafana Bafana drew with Czech Republic 1-1, keeping World Cup knockout dream alive
“Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.”
SA hold Czechs, keep World Cup knockout dream aliveThe Namibian
Bafana Bafana plays against Mexico in Fifa World Cup opening match
“Across the region, various venues will be hosting watch parties for the opening match of the Fifa World Cup when Bafana Bafana plays against Mexico.”
Essential tips for enjoying the Fifa World Cup opening matchInformanté
Bafana Bafana will take on hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June
“South Africa will mark its return to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence when Bafana Bafana take on hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June at Mexico City Stadium.”
South Africa to face hosts Mexico in FIFA World Cup 2026 openerPitso Mosimane was confirmed as South Africa national football coach on Tuesday, 24 days after the football association approved his appointment in August. The 62-year-old former striker succeeds Belgian Hugo Broos and has 23 days to prepare the team for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Guinea.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Pitso Mosimane was confirmed as South Africa national football coach on Tuesday, 24 days after the football association approved his appointment in August. The 62-year-old former striker succeeds Belgian Hugo Broos and has 23 days to prepare the team for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Guinea.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has lauded Namibia as a "true brother and sister" for supporting South Africa during xenophobia accusations, particularly noting Namibia's backing of the South African national football team during their 2026 World Cup campaign. McKenzie defended South Africa's documentation requirements for foreign nationals, arguing that enforcing proper entry protocols does not constitute xenophobia.
22 August 2026 · The Namibian →
South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who played in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the ongoing World Cup, died Saturday at age 25. Police opened an investigation after his body was found at a house in Cape Town; the cause of death was not disclosed.
11 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Hugo Broos has confirmed his exit as South Africa's national football coach after the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Multiple candidates, including Pitso Mosimane, have applied to succeed him, though the football federation may retain Broos in an advisory capacity.
10 July 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa and Canada will meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on 28 June 2026 in Los Angeles, marking both nations' first-ever advancement to the knockout stages. South Africa advanced by defeating Korea Republic 1-0, while Canada qualified despite losing 2-1 to Switzerland.
28 June 2026 · Informanté →
Coach Hugo Broos's South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 to finish second in Group A and qualify for the World Cup knockout phase for the first time, ahead of a last-32 match against Canada in Los Angeles.
27 June 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, recovering from an opening 2-0 loss to Mexico. The victory, sealed by Thapelo Maseko's second-half goal, comes as Bafana Bafana compete in a World Cup for the first time since hosting it in 2010.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Rusten Sukhile Mogane, a retired Black Africa midfield playmaker and Brave Warriors coach, reflects on his career highlights including leading Black Africa to cup victories and being selected for the South West Africa Currie Cup team at age 17 while still a pupil at Augustineum High School.
19 June 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa and the Czech Republic drew 1-1 in a Group A World Cup match in Atlanta, with Teboho Mokoena's penalty canceling out Michal Sadilek's early goal. Both teams remain in contention for the knockout stages but will likely need to win their final group matches to advance.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Franco Namibian Cultural Centre hosted Savanna Comedy Hour on Thursday, featuring veteran comedians and rising stars performing personal stories, social commentary and everyday experiences turned into humour. The event included performances from comedians including Funny Jones, Dangote, Jar Jar and Courage the Comedian.
13 June 2026 · Namibian Sun →
South Africa played Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on co-host Mexico's home soil in Mexico City, with the fixture serving as a symbolic rematch of the 2010 World Cup's opening game. South Africa qualified as Group A winners in CAF qualifying for their fourth World Cup appearance.
11 June 2026 · Informanté →
With watch parties planned across the region for the Fifa World Cup opening match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico, venues are encouraging attendees to dress warmly, plan transport in advance, share their location with trusted contacts, arrive early, and keep valuables secure to ensure an enjoyable and safer experience.
11 June 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa will face hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June at Mexico City Stadium, marking Bafana Bafana's return to the tournament after a 16-year absence. The fixture will launch the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
9 June 2026 · Informanté →
The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes with a new musical collection including the official tournament anthem 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy, co-written by Ed Sheeran, alongside tracks like 'Goals' by Lisa, Anitta and Rema that blend multiple genres and languages.
8 June 2026 · The Namibian →
South Africa's national football team postponed their departure to a Mexico training camp after visa problems delayed some players and officials. The Sports Minister said all players had received visas, but the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst were still awaiting clearance.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →