South Africa

Service	Type	Cost	Details
SABC Sport	Free	R0	Broadcasts all key matches free-to-air across SABC 1, SABC 3 and SABC Sport, including all Bafana Bafana fixtures, the opening match, semi-finals and the final. Also streamable for free via the SABC Plus app.
SuperSport (DStv)	Paid	From R99/month (DStv Access)	All 104 matches live including highlights and repeats. For the first time ever, full World Cup coverage is available across every DStv tier — from the entry-level Access (R99/month) to Premium (R699/month). Also streamable via the DStv Stream app.
DStv Stream	Paid	From R150/month	Stream-only subscription with no satellite dish required. Access all 104 World Cup matches via the DStv Stream app on iOS, Android, Smart TVs and web browsers. Includes SuperSport channels and on-demand replays.

FIFA Ranking

#62[1]

World Cup Appearances

4[2]

Best Result

Group Stage

1998 · 2002 · 2010

Country

CapitalPretoria (executive) · Cape Town (legislative)
Population~62 million
ContinentAfrica
ConfederationCAF
National associationSAFA – South African Football Association

World Cup history

–

Titles: 0

South Africa has never won the FIFA World Cup
–

Total appearances: 4

Including as 2010 host nation — the first African country to host the World Cup.[2]
1998

Group stage

First-ever World Cup appearance; drew with Denmark and Saudi Arabia
2010

Group stage (host)

Historic hosts of the first World Cup on African soil; exited in the group stage despite a famous win over France
2026

Return after 16-year absence

Qualified by topping CAF Group C, ending a 16-year absence from the World Cup.[3]

Head coach

Hugo Broos

Since 2021[4]

Belgian coach who led Cameroon to AFCON 2017 glory before taking charge of Bafana Bafana in 2021. Tasked with restoring South Africa to the global stage, Broos guided the team through a successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing top of CAF Group C ahead of traditional powerhouses including Nigeria.[5]

Key players

Attacking Midfielder

Percy Tau ↗

Creative captain and South Africa's most technically gifted player. Brings European pedigree and the vision to unlock defences at the highest level.

Striker

Lyle Foster ↗

Powerful striker who has impressed in Ligue 1 and on the international stage. South Africa's primary goal threat heading into 2026.

Goalkeeper

Ronwen Williams ↗

One of Africa's finest goalkeepers, renowned for his extraordinary penalty shootout save record and commanding presence between the posts.

Winger

Themba Zwane ↗

Experienced, creative winger and the heartbeat of Mamelodi Sundowns. A consistent performer whose flair and work rate drive Bafana Bafana's attack.

Where to Watch – Streaming Options