South Africa
Manager: Hugo Broos
Overview
South Africa hold a unique place in World Cup history as the first African nation to host the tournament in 2010, when the sound of vuvuzelas became the soundtrack of the football world. Bafana Bafana have a passionate fanbase and a domestic league that continues to develop talent. Their squad features players from the South African Premier Soccer League and lower European divisions, with occasional standouts at higher levels. South Africa play a direct, physical style with pace on the wings and an emphasis on attacking flair. Their footballing culture is deeply entwined with the nation's post-apartheid identity, and any World Cup appearance carries profound significance beyond sport.
Squad
26 playersGoalkeepers3
Ronwen Williams
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sipho Chaine
Orlando Pirates
Ricardo Goss
Siwelele
Defenders11
Thabang Matuludi
Polokwane City
Khulumani Ndamane
Mamelodi Sundowns
Aubrey Modiba
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Chicago Fire
Samukele Kabini
Molde
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Orlando Pirates
Khuliso Mudau
Mamelodi Sundowns
Ime Okon
Hannover 96
Olwethu Makhanya
Philadelphia Union
Kamogelo Sebelebele
Orlando Pirates
Bradley Cross
Kaizer Chiefs
Midfielders5
Teboho Mokoena
Mamelodi Sundowns
Thalente Mbatha
Orlando Pirates
Themba Zwane
Mamelodi Sundowns
Sphephelo Sithole
Tondela
Jayden Adams
Mamelodi Sundowns
Forwards7
Oswin Appollis
Orlando Pirates
Tshepang Moremi
Orlando Pirates
Lyle Foster
Burnley
Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates
Thapelo Maseko
AEL Limassol
Iqraam Rayners
Mamelodi Sundowns
Evidence Makgopa
Orlando Pirates
World Cup History
South Africa have appeared at three World Cups: 1998, 2002, and 2010 as hosts. In 2010, they became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage, despite a memorable opening-day draw with Mexico and Siphiwe Tshabalala's spectacular opening goal. South Africa's World Cup history is defined by the 2010 tournament, which was widely regarded as a success for the continent.
Group A Opponents
Fun Fact
Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning left-footed strike against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup is one of the most iconic goals in tournament history and was the first goal of the first World Cup held on African soil.
Predict South Africa's Path to the Final
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