The road back to the FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 global showpiece have moved from planning to action, with the South African Football Association confirming two high-profile international friendlies against Panama during the March international window.
The matches will be played on home soil between 27 and 31 March 2026 and form a key part of Bafana Bafana’s build-up to the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
In a statement, SAFA confirmed that the fixtures were selected to provide meaningful preparation under head coach Hugo Broos.
“Bafana Bafana will face Panama in two international friendly matches to be played in South Africa between 27–31 March 2026 as part of the national team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the association said.
“Panama, currently ranked 33rd in the world, were identified as high-quality opposition. They offer a competitive, physical and tactically disciplined test that closely mirrors the level South Africa will encounter at the World Cup.”
The friendlies come with South Africa’s group-stage picture already confirmed. Bafana Bafana were drawn into Group A at the World Cup draw held in Washington DC in December 2025, alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoff D, which will feature one of Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, or North Macedonia.
South Africa’s most recent World Cup appearance came in 2010 when they hosted the tournament. Bafana Bafana opened with a 1–1 draw against Mexico, a match remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal of the competition. Despite leading for long spells, South Africa conceded late and struck the post in the closing moments.
A 3–0 defeat to Uruguay in the second group match left qualification hanging by a thread, with the dismissal of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune proving costly as Diego Forlán scored twice.
Bafana Bafana signed off their campaign with a memorable 2–1 win over France, courtesy of goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela, but it was not enough to secure progression.
South Africa were eliminated on goal difference, becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to exit the tournament at the group stage.
With 2026 now firmly on the horizon, the upcoming Panama friendlies represent an early but significant step as Bafana Bafana begin their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.