It’s been 24 years since Bafana Bafana last qualified for the FIFA World Cup through the group stages. Needless to say we're pensive, but still hopeful with this World Cup 2026 Planning Guide.
Optimism aside, we wanted to get the pragmatic take on Bafana Bafana's actual chances in the tournament.
Sports journalist Cato Louw shares her take on what this moment means for South African football - and what comes next.
Bafana Bafana’s qualification is a historic moment. What kind of impact do you think it will have on soccer and sport as a whole in South Africa and Africa?
“It truly is an amazing, memorable, historic and almost unbelievable moment given the route we have taken to get here. It’s historic because it's the first time in 24 years that we have qualified via the qualification route, meaning we took the route all the teams take.
“Every four years, the host nation gets an automatic qualification, which we got in 2010. So, it’ll be the first time in 16 years that we will feature in a World Cup, but the first time in 24 years that we’ve actually qualified for one.
“It’s a significant moment and one that is going to impact soccer in South Africa as well as Africa. SAFA are one of the biggest federations on the continent, so if we do well, it only bodes well for the rest of Africa. The better we do, the more eyeballs, more sponsors, and more people get on board with the team and the programmes.
“As we’ve learned from the Springboks, when a team wins, people start believing, people start investing, and then you can start giving back to the rest of the system.
"This is a very important part of that. To have Bafana Bafana on the biggest stage in football - and to have done it this way - is truly a moment we can write about in the history books very soon.”
What kind of game plan would give Bafana Bafana the best chance to compete successfully on the world stage?
“So an important thing to note is that the qualification process is still ongoing. That means there can’t be a draw yet for who we will face at the World Cup next year - and that’s a big factor.
"Who we get in our group is huge.
“If we face lower-ranked teams, we could do better en route. If we face higher-ranked teams en route to a potential knockout in the quarter-final, semi-final, or final, it will be really tough.
“So those are factors to remember. Not all teams have yet booked their tickets. The window’s still open for qualification. We are one of nine African teams in the World Cup so far, but there are still draws and games happening across the world to get to the full 48 teams that will be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
How realistic do you think Bafana Bafana’s chances are at this World Cup, and what factors could influence how far they get?
“Realistically, we’re 55th on the FIFA World Rankings - just the 55th best team in the world. Given the number of nations that play football, this is not necessarily shocking.
“It sort of makes sense given our form and the opponents we face. But at the same time, the thing about the World Cup - and sport in general - is that on the day, anything can happen. We’ve seen underdogs go through and beat the big teams and pull off miracles.
"It will all depend on how we go into that World Cup.”
What are some key things supporters should know as Bafana Bafana head into the World Cup - whether it’s about the team, preparation, or what to expect?
“As much as we are celebrating and acknowledging this moment - which is really awesome for South Africa - it’s also important to note that there’s still work to do.
“We’ve got a couple of international friendly matches to keep sharp and be on the ball (excuse the pun), and then in December in Morocco, it will be the 2025 AFCON — Africa Cup of Nations. That’s our Euros, our competition, and an important step for confidence, form, and combinations.
“It’s a chance to see what this team can do. Then the preparations will start for the World Cup, which kicks off in June 2026. So in terms of significant moments: first, the international friendlies, then AFCON, and then the World Cup.”
Who are the players to keep an eye on?
“There’s no doubt that getting to this point has been a team effort - both from behind the scenes and the players on the field.
“A specific shout-out to coach Hugo Broos. He literally said he would quit if we didn’t qualify after that draw against Zimbabwe, where everyone thought, ‘this is not looking tangible.’
His press conferences are very entertaining, and he always drops golden nuggets. Also, the coaches absorb a lot of heat!"
“On the field, Aubrey Modiba has been a stalwart, a name we’ve heard a lot over the last couple of weeks, Teboho Mokoena, despite the yellow card controversy. It doesn't mean his form is bad; he is an absolute veteran and one we need on the field.
“Also, Evidence Makgopa, he has been consistent for South Africa. Oswin Appollis scored against Rwanda and has truly grown into his own, and is currently very confident. He’s someone we’re looking at to carry us through the next two big tournaments.”
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