South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, has returned home after a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.

What happened?

The team, led by coach Hugo Broos, made history by becoming the first South African side to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. They finished with a record of 1W-1D-1L from 3 games, earning 4 points and a 2nd place standing in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their recent form has been LWDL, with 2 goals scored and 3 conceded, resulting in a -1 goal difference.

A reason to be proud

Broos praised the team's progress, saying it's an emotional day for all of them, and that the nation's support has been very important. He reminded South Africans that the Last 32 exit was still a first for Bafana and reason enough to be proud. The team must now dust themselves up and gear up for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which begin in September. | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 2nd in FIFA World Cup 2026 | | 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 (LWLLW, most recent first) |

What comes next?

Bafana will very likely be under a new coach, with Pitso Mosimane understood to be the frontrunner for the role. Meanwhile, SAFA have not closed the door entirely on Hugo Broos. As of now, the team is focused on the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and the nation is proud of their historic achievement.