CAF · Group A
FIFA World Cup 2026
South Africa
FIFA Ranking #56Coach Hugo BroosRSA
Team quick answers
What group is South Africa in at World Cup 2026?
South Africa are in Group A with Mexico, Czechia, South Korea. The group is a four-team round-robin.
Who coaches South Africa and what is their FIFA ranking?
South Africa are coached by Hugo Broos, are FIFA-ranked #56, and use the team code RSA.
When does South Africa's group-stage campaign start?
South Africa's first group match is against Mexico on June 11, 2026 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Their full group-stage window runs June 11, 2026 — June 25, 2026.
How can South Africa reach the knockout stage?
South Africa advance directly to the Round of 32 by finishing in the top two of Group A. If they finish third, they need to be one of the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups.
Team profile
South Africa arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 as a mid-ranked nation with a clear path through qualifying, ranked #56 in the FIFA world rankings. Hugo Broos leads the squad after qualifying through the CAF qualifying pathway. They have been drawn into Group A, a four-team round-robin where the top two advance directly to the round of 32 and the third-placed team competes for one of eight best-third spots.
Confederation: CAF (Africa) — with nine WC2026 representatives, the strongest African delegation ever assembled. South Africa's qualification campaign placed them among the nine sides representing their region at the expanded 48-team tournament.
South Africa share Group A with Czechia, South Korea, Mexico. Average FIFA rank of the group: #34.
South Africa's group-stage campaign runs from June 11, 2026 to June 25, 2026, with three matches over approximately two weeks.
FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first edition with 48 teams, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. The expanded format means most teams need only finish in the top three of their group to keep playing.
