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Arun - June 24, 2026
The 2026 World Cup is underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We have been treated to plenty of goals and there is more drama to come in Group A as South Africa attempt to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in their history. How far can Bafana Bafana go in the tournament?
South Africa were always up against it in their opening match of Group A against the co-hosts Mexico. It was the first game of the competition and with Mexico playing in the Azteca Stadium, South Africa faced an uphill task. Conceding an early goal was disappointing but South Africa stayed in the game until the 67th minute, when Mexico doubled their advantage. Bafana Bafana did manage two shots on target, with Mexico hitting the target on four occasions.
South Africa travelled to Atlanta for their second group fixture against Czechia and conceded another early goal. However, South Africa enjoyed the bulk of the possession and produced 17 shots, four of which were on target and one found the back of the net in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot. That kind of attacking output usually keeps qualification markets alive, and it also gives punters a reason to follow South Africa’s remaining Group A fixtures closely. For readers in the country, Hollywoodbets in South Africa offers World Cup markets built around those scenarios.
South Africa’s final group game is against South Korea in Monterrey. The objective is clear, Bafana Bafana must win the match to have any chance of progressing to the round of 32. South Korea looked good in their win over Czechia but struggled against Mexico. Hugo Broos’ team know they have a chance thanks to their own performance against Czechia. If Mexico win their final match and South Africa beat South Korea, they will finish second in the group and qualify for the knockout stages. There is also a chance South Africa could qualify as one of the best third placed teams if they beat South Korea.
Suspensions could prove costly for South Africa, with Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane unavailable for the match against South Korea. However, going into the final group game, South Africa have their destiny in their own hands, with 4 points likely to be enough to progress.
It is difficult to predict who South Africa would play in the round of 32 but one of Canada or Switzerland is likely should South Africa finish second. Things are not as clear when finishing in third place but there is potential for a meeting with Germany. If South Africa can avoid Germany and meet Switzerland rather than Canada, they have a chance of reaching the round of 16. Despite beating Bosnia comfortably, the Swiss failed to impress against Qatar, who are ranked only 4 places higher in the official world rankings than South Africa.
Anything can happen in knockout football and we have seen shock results at this World Cup. Should South Africa progress from their group in second place, the round of 16 is a realistic goal for Bafana Bafana.
