When is Bafana Bafana’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier?

Bafana Bafana took a step towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they beat neighbours Zimbabwe 3-1 in the latest qualifier at the Free State stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

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The South African national side are now second in Group C with seven points after four (of 10) matches.

They are level on points with Rwanda who top the group on goal difference.

Bafana Bafana have recorded two wins, a draw and a loss in their four matches to date.

Hugo Broos’ side beat Benin 2-1 at home, before losing 2-0 to Rwanda away.

They then drew 1-1 with Nigeria away before their most recent win over Zimbabwe.

Bafana Bafana will next be in action at home against Lesotho on 25 March 2025.

QUALIFYING HAS CHANGED

Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group C along with Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho and Benin.

The CAF qualification structure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has changed from previous years.

A record nine African teams at last will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and a 10th is a possibility.

All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification.

Teams were drawn into nine groups of six teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches.

However, Eritrea withdrew before matches began, leaving five teams in Group E.

The winner of each of the nine groups will qualify for the World Cup.

In addition, the four best-ranked group runners-up will participate in a playoff to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

LATEST GROUP C STANDINGS