Bafana Bafana World Cup Send-Off vs Nicaragua & Full 2026 Group Stage Schedule
Bafana Bafana World Cup Send-Off vs Nicaragua & Full 2026 Group Stage Schedule
Bafana Bafana face Nicaragua on 29 May 2026 in their final home friendly before the FIFA World Cup. See the full Group A schedule, kick-off times, and how to watch.
Introduction: The Road to the World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks away, Bafana Bafana are putting the finishing touches on their preparations. After a 16-year wait, South Africa returns to the world stage – and the journey begins with a final send-off on home soil.
Here is everything you need to know about Bafana Bafana’s next matches, from the Nicaragua friendly to the full Group A schedule.
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Next Match: Bafana Bafana vs Nicaragua (Send-Off Friendly)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Nicaragua |
| Date | Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Kick-off | 18:00 SAST |
| Venue | Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto (Orlando Stadium) |
| Competition | International Friendly (World Cup send-off) |
| TV Broadcast | SABC Sport, SuperSport |
This match serves as Bafana Bafana’s final match on home soil before the squad departs for Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup .
What to Expect
Head coach Hugo Broos is expected to use this fixture to assess fringe players and give valuable game time to squad members who may not feature heavily in the World Cup group stage .
With Mamelodi Sundowns players only recently completing their CAF Champions League campaign, several key regulars – including captain Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena – may be rested . This opens the door for:
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) or Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs) in goal
- New caps like Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union) and Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Attacking talents such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, and Lyle Foster
Tickets: Available at the stadium or through official ticket vendors. Give Bafana a proper send-off!
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Bafana Bafana Group A Fixtures
South Africa has been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea . In a twist of fate, Bafana will feature in the tournament opener against Mexico – exactly 16 years after the two nations met in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup on home soil .
Full Group Stage Schedule (South African Time)
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off (SAST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 11 June 2026 | Mexico vs South Africa | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | 21:00 |
| Thursday, 18 June 2026 | Czechia vs South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 18:00 |
| Thursday, 25 June 2026 | South Korea vs South Africa | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey | 03:00 |
Match Previews
Mexico vs South Africa (11 June, 21:00 SAST)
The tournament opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Mexico will have home advantage, but Bafana will be buoyed by the memory of their famous 1-1 draw against the same opponents in the 2010 World Cup opener.
Czechia vs South Africa (18 June, 18:00 SAST)
Bafana travel to Atlanta for their second group match. Czechia are a physical, tactically disciplined European side – a test of South Africa’s defensive organization.
South Korea vs South Africa (25 June, 03:00 SAST)
An early morning (SA time) clash in Monterrey. South Korea’s speed and technical quality will challenge Bafana’s back line. This match could decide who advances to the knockout rounds.
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Bafana Bafana 2026 World Cup Squad (Key Players)
Head coach Hugo Broos named his 26-man squad on 26 May 2026 . The 74-year-old Belgian has stated this World Cup will be his final tournament before retiring .
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Ronwen Williams (Captain) | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Ricardo Goss | Siwelele |
| Sipho Chaine | Orlando Pirates |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Khuliso Mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Aubrey Modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Khulumani Ndamane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Nkosinathi Sibisi | Orlando Pirates |
| Kamogelo Sebelebele | Orlando Pirates |
| Thabang Matuludi | Polokwane City |
| Ime Okon | Hannover 96 (Germany) |
| Samukele Kabini | Molde FK (Norway) |
| Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Chicago Fire (USA) |
| Olwethu Makhanya | Philadelphia Union (USA) – Uncapped |
| Bradley Cross | Kaizer Chiefs – Uncapped |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Teboho Mokoena | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Jayden Adams | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Thalente Mbatha | Orlando Pirates |
| Sphephelo Sithole | Tondela (Portugal) |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Lyle Foster | Burnley (England) |
| Evidence Makgopa | Orlando Pirates |
| Oswin Appollis | Orlando Pirates |
| Relebohile Mofokeng | Orlando Pirates |
| Tshepang Moremi | Orlando Pirates |
| Iqraam Rayners | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Themba Zwane | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Thapelo Maseko | AEL Limassol (Cyprus) |
How to Watch Bafana Bafana’s Next Matches
| Match | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Bafana vs Nicaragua (29 May) | SABC Sport, SuperSport |
| Mexico vs South Africa (11 June) | SABC Sport, SuperSport, SportyTV |
| Czechia vs South Africa (18 June) | SABC Sport, SuperSport, SportyTV |
| South Korea vs South Africa (25 June) | SABC Sport, SuperSport, SportyTV |
Digital Option: SportyTV will broadcast all 104 World Cup matches for a once-off R10 payment .
Bafana’s World Cup History
| Tournament | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | France | Group Stage |
| 2002 | South Korea/Japan | Group Stage |
| 2010 | South Africa | Group Stage |
| 2026 | USA/Canada/Mexico | TBD |
This will be South Africa’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance overall . Bafana have never advanced beyond the group stage – but 2026 offers a new opportunity with an expanded 48-team format.
FAQ – Bafana Bafana Next Matches
When is Bafana Bafana’s next match?
Bafana Bafana face Nicaragua on Friday, 29 May 2026 at 18:00 SAST at Orlando Stadium in Soweto .
Where can I watch Bafana vs Nicaragua?
The match will be broadcast live on SABC Sport and SuperSport .
When is Bafana’s first World Cup match?
Bafana face Mexico on Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 21:00 SAST at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City .
Who is in Bafana’s World Cup group?
South Africa is in Group A with Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea .
Is Hugo Broos still the coach?
Yes. Hugo Broos remains Bafana Bafana head coach. He has stated this World Cup will be his final tournament before retiring .
Who is Bafana Bafana’s captain?
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) is the national team captain .
Final Thoughts
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over. Bafana Bafana have one final tune-up against Nicaragua before the real action begins.
Key dates for your calendar:
- 29 May 2026 – Bafana vs Nicaragua (Send-off friendly, Orlando Stadium)
- 11 June 2026 – Mexico vs South Africa (World Cup opener)
- 18 June 2026 – Czechia vs South Africa
- 25 June 2026 – South Korea vs South Africa
Get behind the team. Wear the yellow jersey. And let’s make some noise.
Viva Bafana, viva!
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