South Africa has made history by reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time. When Siphiwe Tshabalala put South Africa ahead in the opening game against Mexico 16 years ago, his strike was famously lauded as a 'goal for all of Africa' by one TV commentator.
What happened in 2010?
The team was eliminated on goal difference despite that 1-1 draw and beating France in their final outing. They became the first World Cup hosts to fail to make it out of their group and a glorious chance was passed up.
Current Standing
As of 28 Jun 2026, South Africa is 2nd in FIFA World Cup 2026, with 4 pts, 1W-1D-1L from 3 games, and a recent form of WDL.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| League Standing | 2nd |
| Goals this season | 2 scored, 3 conceded |
| Title race | 5 points behind leaders Mexico |
| Last result | South Africa 1-2 Cameroon (2026-01-04) |
| Recent form | 2W-0D-3L |
Road to Redemption
The national team qualifying for the World Cup and Mamelodi Sundowns winning the African Champions League has been a huge boost for the country, according to Cape Town-based sports journalist Mark Gleeson. Hugo Broos, the 74-year-old head coach, has rebuilt the squad and guided South Africa to a third-placed finish at Afcon 2023 before securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup ahead of Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
South Africa will look to build on their current momentum and make a strong impression in the remainder of the tournament. With the support of their fans and the guidance of Coach Broos, they are determined to overcome past disappointments and achieve success in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
