South Africa impressed at the FIFA World Cup 2026, joining nine other African nations in reaching the knockout stage. CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced a major prize increase for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) following the continent's strong performance.
What happened at the World Cup?
South Africa finished second in their group with 4 points (1W-1D-1L), scoring 2 goals and conceding 3. Their last result was a narrow 0-1 loss to Canada on June 28. Despite this, South Africa's resilience secured their place in the Round of 32, a remarkable achievement.
Why this matters for African football
Motsepe highlighted that 90% of African teams progressed from the group stage, the highest percentage in World Cup history. "This shows the growth of African football," he said. "We're investing in youth development and coaching to build on this success."
What comes next for South Africa?
South Africa now focus on closing the 5-point gap to leaders Mexico in the title race. With recent form showing 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses (LWDDL), the team aims to build on their World Cup momentum. CAF's increased funding for training and youth programs will support their future campaigns.
