World Cup Qualifiers
With Bafana Bafana placed in Pot Three for the 2026 World Cup draw, South Africa could face global giants like Brazil, Argentina, Germany or France. The expanded 48-team format offers opportunity, but the prospect of meeting a tournament heavyweight in the group stage looms large.
Bafana Bafana are bracing themselves for a demanding World Cup campaign as they await the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for 5 December in Washington DC. South Africa, making a long-awaited return to the global showpiece, have been placed in Pot Three after slipping to number 61 in the FIFA world rankings. Their position means they are guaranteed to face at least one of the world’s elite teams when the groups are finalised.
The possible opponents make for daunting reading. South Africa could be drawn against South American giants Brazil or defending champions Argentina, while European powerhouses such as Germany, France, Spain and England also stand in the mix. With teams like Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands topping their respective pots, the chances of landing in a so-called group of death are high.
The tournament’s expanded 48-team format, which introduces twelve groups of four, slightly softens the edge for lower-ranked teams but does little to shield Bafana from the sport’s superpowers. One saving factor is the rule preventing more than one African country in the same group. This means Bafana will avoid continental rivals such as Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria, but it also increases the likelihood of facing a heavyweight from Europe or South America.
South Africa’s qualification journey has already reignited national pride. A convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda in October sealed their return to the world stage, marking a significant milestone after years of rebuilding. Their performances have drawn praise for renewed discipline, tactical clarity and a competitive edge missing in previous years.
