South Africa now know exactly what awaits them at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Friday’s group-stage draw delivered a mix of familiarity, challenge and opportunity. Bafana Bafana were placed in Group A alongside co-host nation Mexico, fast-improving South Korea, and a yet-to-be confirmed European play-off winner, a group that offers a realistic path to the knockout rounds, but no room for complacency.
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Bafana Bafana’s Group & What’s at Stake
In Group A, South Africa joins host nation Mexico, plus South Korea and one yet-to-be-determined European play-off winner.
Their opening match is especially significant, a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener against Mexico in Mexico City, bringing full-circle redemption hopes for Bafana Bafana and their supporters.
This draw gives Bafana Bafana a mix of history, challenge, and opportunity:
- Mexico: host nation with home crowd advantage for the tournament opener.
- South Korea: a dynamic, disciplined Asian side with tactical solidity and speed on the break.
- European play-off winner: (Denmark, Czechia, North Macedonia or Republic of Ireland)
For South Africa, success comes down to consistency, discipline and mental strength during this group phase: win or draw vs Mexico, avoid slip-ups against Korea, and treat the play-off opponent with respect.
Draw Format & What It Means
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Play-off D winner
Group B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Play-off A winner
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Play-off C winner
Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Curaçao
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off B winner
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Inter-continental Playoff 2 winner
Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Inter-continental Playoff 1 winner
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
