South Africa at the World Cup: Can the Bafana Bafana Emerge from Group A?
For the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, South Africa will return to the FIFA World Cup. The Bafana Bafana's qualifying campaign was much better than recent years, topping the group ahead of Nigeria. Qualification was well deserved, but can South Africa make an impression once there?
South Africa's Opponents
South Africa will play in Group A alongside South Korea and co-hosts Mexico. The 4th member of the group will be confirmed in March after the Playoffs, but we do know that it will be one of the four following European teams: Denmark, Ireland, Czechia or North Macedonia. South Africa will actually open the tournament against Mexico on June 11.
South Africa's World Cup Betting Odds
Obviously, South Africa will be massive underdogs to win the World Cup, and most level-headed fans will acknowledge that. Odds of 1,000/1 are available for the miracle to happen. But a more sober bet is on whether South Africa can qualify from Group A for the knockout rounds. Odds of 4/6 say "no" and 11/10 say "yes". These odds are correct at the time of writing. If you are betting from SA, more information on sportsbooks and licensed casinos is available at Casino.com South Africa. Spain is the overall favorite for the tournament.
The Group Format
A major criticism of the 2026 World Cup is that it has been diluted: the expansion to 48 teams and the fact that up to three teams per group can qualify for the knockout rounds will reduce the "jeopardy" in the first few weeks of the tournament. In effect, winning one game will probably be enough to sneak into the knockout rounds, and a couple of draws might also do the job. Four points will guarantee it. So, a win and a draw is the goal for South Africa.
South Africa Key Players
As mentioned, South Africa had a strong qualifying campaign, one that would have even been more impressive had the team not been penalized for fielding an ineligible player in a 2-0 win over Lesotho. That win was reversed, essentially docking South Africa 3 points. The team needs goals, and Lyle Foster, who brings Premier League experience from Burnley, is the most important conduit for them. At the back, Siyabonga Ngezana should be a key figure in keeping things tight. There are some injury concerns for the latter, though.
;What to Look Out For
South Africa will know all about the pressure of opening a tournament as hosts. The opponents at the opening game of 2010? Yes, it was Mexico. The roles are reversed this time, with the action taking place at the iconic Estadio Azteca – one of the world's largest. Advantage Mexico, on paper. Yet, hosting can mean nerves, and we think that Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos would be more than happy with a draw, just like in 2010. Opening games tend to be nervy across most World Cups, so it's not a bad bet. As mentioned, three points will probably be enough to secure a knockout berth in the expanded tournament. South Africa managed four points in 2010, but did not qualify due to goal-difference. If they can achieve the same feat again, they'll qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in the nations history.