Since the end of apartheid, the South Africa national football team – affectionately known as Bafana Bafana – have featured at the FIFA World Cup on three occasions: 1998, 2002, and 2010.
In June this year, Bafana Bafana will make their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
Early Qualification Attempts
South Africa’s first attempt to qualify for a World Cup came ahead of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
They finished second in their group behind Nigeria, narrowly missing out on qualification.
France 1998: First Appearance
South Africa’s debut came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France – just six years after being readmitted to international football.
However, it was a tough introduction:
- Lost 3-0 to France
- Drew 1-1 with Denmark
- Drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia
They finished third in their group and were eliminated in the first round.
Korea/Japan 2002: So Close
At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, expectations were higher.
Results included:
- A 2-2 draw with Paraguay
- A historic 1-0 win over Slovenia
- Lost 3-2 to Spain
Despite this, South Africa were again eliminated in the group stage – missing out to Paraguay on goals scored, one of the narrowest exits in their history.
2010: Home Soil Heartbreak
As hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hopes were high that Bafana Bafana could finally reach the knockout stages.
Their results:
- Drew 1-1 with Mexico
- Lost 3-0 to Uruguay
- Beat France 2-1
Despite a famous win over France, South Africa were eliminated on goal difference, becoming the first host nation in World Cup history not to progress beyond the group stage.
Eyes on 2026
With three appearances but no progression past the group stage, Bafana Bafana remain determined to rewrite their World Cup story.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa will be aiming not just to return, but to finally break through into the knockout rounds.
South Africa’s Pool A matches at FIFA World Cup 2026
Thursday, 11 June vs Mexico, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 21:00 (SA time)
Thursday, 18 June vs TBD (UEFA Path D winner), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 18:00 (SA time)
Thursday, 25 June vs South Korea, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 03:00 (SA time)
South Africa’s history at FIFA World Cups
| YEAR | RESULT |
| 1930 | Did not enter |
| 1934 | Did not enter |
| 1938 | Did not enter |
| 1950 | Did not enter |
| 1954 | Did not enter |
| 1958 | Did not enter |
| 1962 | Did not enter |
| 1966 | Not admitted |
| 1970 | Banned |
| 1974 | Banned |
| 1978 | Banned |
| 1982 | Banned |
| 1986 | Banned |
| 1990 | Banned |
| 1994 | Did not qualify |
| 1998 | Group stage |
| 2002 | Group stage |
| 2006 | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | Group stage |
| 2014 | Did not qualify |
| 2018 | Did not qualify |
| 2022 | Did not qualify |
| 2026 | TBD |
South Africa’s record at FIFA World Cups
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA |
| 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 16 |
